HC Deb 04 March 1925 vol 181 cc423-4

The following Question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Miss WILKINSON who had not responded to Mr. Speaker's call—

41. To ask the Minister of Labour what is the total amount paid in contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund last year by men and the amount paid by women; and what was the total amount paid in benefits to men and women, respectively, during the same period?

Miss WILKINSON

Can I not put my question?

Mr. SPEAKER

I called the hon. Member twice, before calling the next question.

Miss WILKINSON

I am sorry. I was listening to the reply of the Minister of Labour on Question 40. [An HON. MEMBER: "Get on with it!"]

Mr. KIRKWOOD

It's a punch on the jaw that you will get!

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

On point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in order for hon. Members opposite to threaten us with personal violence from time to time?

Mr. SPEAKER

Certainly not. The hon. Member is interfering with one of his own colleagues receiving an answer.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. SPEAKER

It is taking away the time.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

On a point of Order. The hon. Member shouted out to Miss Wilkinson: "Get on with it!"

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

For the insurance year, 1923–1924, the estimated amount of Unemployment Insurance contributions paid by workpeople (i.e., as distinct from contributions paid by employers and the Exchequer) was £13,300,000 by men and £3,300,000 by women. The estimated amount of Unemployment Benefit paid during the same year was, to men £30,400,000 (of which about one-sixth was in respect of dependants) and to women £5.100,000.

Miss WILKINSON

Could the right hon. Gentleman give the proportion paid to women on account of dependants?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I cannot answer the hon. Member off-hand, but I will make inquiries as to the proportion.