65. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour what is the total amount of unemployment benefit paid under the Unemployment Insurance Acts since the Armistice; and the total amount paid, in addition to ex-Service men, munition workers, and others, as out-of-work pay since the same date?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe total amount of unemployment benefit paid from 18th November, 1918, to 30th May, 1925, is £206,118,000. In addition, out-of-work donation was paid amounting in the case of ex-Service men and women to £40,720,000, and in the case of civilians to £21,725,000.
§ 66. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Minister of Labour if it is the intention of the Government to reduce unemployment benefits; and, if so, for what reason?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe proposals of the Government will, I hope, be made known to Members almost immediately in the form of an Unemployment Insurance Bill. Meanwhile, I cannot disclose the contents of the Bill.
§ 67. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Labour what were the total amounts paid out in unemployment benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts during each of the years 1922, 1923, and 1924, and the amounts paid out to juveniles, persons between 65 and 70 years of age, and persons over 70, respectively, in the same years; and the average number in receipt of benefit during each of these years of juveniles, pensions between 65 and 70 years of age, and persons over 70 years of age, respectively?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe amount of Unemployment Benefit paid during the years 1922, 1923 and 1924 was £47,930,000, £39,360,000 and £37,880,000 respectively. The accounts of the Unemployment Fund are not kept in such a form as to distinguish between the sums paid to old persons, juveniles and others.