HC Deb 14 December 1925 vol 189 cc964-5
46. Mr. SCURR

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the net decreases of wages of workmen amount to £74,000 weekly for this year; that, although the number of registered unemployed is slightly lower, the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in 31 selected areas is now 436 per 10,000 of the population, as compared with 384 for the corresponding period of last year; and whether, in view of this decline in purchasing power and increase in numbers receiving public assistance, it is his intention to introduce legislation this Session to establish national works for the unemployed?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

I have been asked to reply. I cannot accept the inferences drawn by the hon. Member from the statistics which he quotes. As regards the last part of the question, the policy of the Government was stated in the Debate on the 26th November.

DISALLOWANCE OF APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENDED BENEFIT.
Percentage of Applications Considered.
— Great Britain. Hartlepool.✶
1924. 1st Aug to 10th Nov. 1925. 10th Aug to 16th Nov. 1924. 1st Aug to 10th Nov. 1925. 10th Aug to 16th Nov.
APPLICATIONS DEFINITELY DISALLOWED:—
General Conditions. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent.
Not normally insurable and not seeking to obtain a livelihood by means of insurable employment. 1.9 1.2 1.4 0.4
Insurable employment not likely to be available 0.5 0.7 0.3 0.3
Not a reasonable period of insurable employment during the preceding two years. 4.7 6.l 3.6 4.7
Not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment or not willing to accept suitable employment. 3.5 3.6 0.6 1.2
Total disallowances under general conditions 10.6 11.6 5.9 6.6
Special Conditions.
Single persons residing with relatives to whom they can look for support. 3.0 2.l
Married women living with husbands to whom they can look for support. Not operative during this period. 1. 0 Not operative during this period. —
Married men living with wives to whom they can look for support. 0.1 —
Short Time workers earning sufficient for period. maintenance. 1.1 0.2
Aliens — —
Total disallowances under special conditions — 5.2 — 2.3
Total definitely disallowed 10.6 16.8 5.9 8.9
Decision postponed for a definite period — 0.9 — 0.3
Grand Total 10.6 17.7 5.9 9.2
Corresponding figures are not available in respect of applications for covenanted benefit which are dealt with by the Insurance Officer and not by Rota Committee.
✶ Separate figures are not available in respect of West Hartlepool.