§ 53. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed on the latest date 1517 for which the figures are available; how many of these were insured persons not in receipt of benefit; and how many were uninsured persons?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain on 15th June, 1925, was 1,280,724. This includes 60,000 persons, both insured and uninsured, who were not claiming benefit. Of those claiming benefit it is estimated that about 70,000 on the date in question were not authorised for the receipt of benefit.
§ Colonel DAYHow does the hon. Gentleman reconcile those figures with the statement made during the last General Election, when the electors were told that if they voted for the Conservatives there would be work for all?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?
Mr. BECKETTWill the hon. Gentleman also give us some idea as to what the total figures would be if those whom the present Government have struck off were added to the number?
§ 55. Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Labour the increase in the number of unemployed in this country since the return to the gold standard?
§ Mr. BETTERTONBetween 27th April and 15th June there was an increase of 93,656 in the number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. The hon. Member must not, however, regard me as adopting his suggestion that this increase is due to the gold standard.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the Minister not of the opinion that the return to the gold standard is in some measure responsible for this increase in unemployment?
§ Mr. DUFF COOPERIs it not the case that the late Chancellor of the Exchequer—the Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer—is in favour of a return to the gold standard?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot go into that matter.