§ 16. Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of married women who are in receipt of unemployment pay and whose husbands are employed; what amount has been disbursed to such women during the period from the 1st January to the 24th June, 1922: and the proportion of such women who have no children?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)I regret that this information is not available. I should mention that I have directed local employment committees to disallow uncovenanted benefit in general to any married woman living with her husband who is in employment and whose earnings give, in the committee's opinion, an income for the household which justifies the withholding of uncovenanted benefit from the wife.
§ Mr. HANNONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think information of that kind ought to be given?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is circulated to the local offices and committees. I will send by hon. Friend a copy.
§ Mr. HURDDoes not the right hon. Gentleman know that the present arrangement allows many lapses by which women who are not entitled get unemployment benefit, and would it not be better to cut it all out and leave the exceptions to be made for those who have charge of children or for any other reason?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not think I can do that. But if my hon. Friend will give me the names of any persons abusing the Act, I will make inquiries.