§ 39 and 40. Sir WILLIAM MITCHELL-THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he can state the estimated extra charge upon the fund consequent upon the issue by him of instructions that the non-statutory limitations upon the payment of uncovenanted unemployment benefit to ex-enemy and other aliens are to be abolished;
2315 (2) whether he has issued an instruction to local committees that, in considering claims to uncovenanted unemployment benefit, they are, in the case of any person who satisfies the statutory conditions, to pay no regard to the applicant's private income or to the total income of the household of which the applicant is a member; and what is the estimated extra charge upon the fund involved by this instruction?
§ Mr. SHAWThe effect of the revised directions to local employment committees issued by me was fully explained in the Debate last Monday. The increased amount, of unemployment benefit which will in consequence be paid out of the Unemployment Fund in the period up to next October, is estimated at between £2,000,000 and £4,000,000, as stated by the Prime Minister in the House on 12th February. I am afraid I cannot give separate figures for the different classes of persons affected.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has no exact data, but that he is merely making a shot at the amount, and that it might just as easily be £6,000,000 or £8,000,000?
§ Mr. SHAWIt means that the Government Actuary has been asked to make out an estimate, that I have to give his figures, and that, whatever the figures are, it must be remembered that the amounts paid will be paid from the Insurance Fund.
§ Mr. SHAWThere is no estimate that anything of the kind will be done. As a matter of fact, in spite of the extensive unemployment, money was being paid off from the overdraft.
§ Mr. BETTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that his own Order, and those of his predecessors relating to this matter, shall be placed in the Vote Office, so that Members can see them?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI want to give the right hon. Gentleman fair notice, so that there can be no question of a snap Division. [Interruption.]
§ Mr. SPEAKERDoes the hon. Baronet desire to give notice to the House?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONYes. Sir. I desire to give the right hon. Gentleman and the House notice, in order that there may be no question afterwards of a snap Division, that at the first Parliamentary opportunity the House will be asked to condemn his action, which has the effect of making it possible for this benefit to be claimed by aliens.
§ 62. Mr. JAMES GARDNERasked the Minister of Labour whether he will cause to be displayed in the Employment Exchanges large notices in simple language explaining the new provisions respecting the administration of uncovenanted benefit and the change in the law with regard to the gap, in order that workmen may know exactly what benefits they are entitled to and how they can obtain them?
§ Mr. SHAWI doubt whether it is necessary to exhibit these notices as I believe the changes referred to are generally known.
§ Mr. GARDNERDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the workmen are not getting the information which will help them to realise what is the benefit to which they are entitled?
§ Mr. SHAWIf any information can be conveyed to me as to where workmen are suffering, or if any suggestion can be made for bringing nearer the time when the men will know exactly what the conditions are, I will consider the whole matter.