HC Deb 28 July 1926 vol 198 cc2088-9
31. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications have been made by men and women for extended unemployment benefit during the last three months for which figures are available; how many were successful: and how many were rejected?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

During the three months 13th April to 12th July, 1926, the applications for extended benefit considered by local employment committees numbered 707,394 in respect of men and 103,372 in respect of women. Of these numbers 621,665 applications from men were recommended for allowance and 85,729 for disallowance, while 72,224 applications from women were recommended for allowance and 31,148 for disallowance.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how these figures compare with those of any similar previous period?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I think I can get the figures for the previous periods, if the hon. Member wishes to have them for comparison, but I cannot give them to him from memory.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is any special consideration being given to people who were out of work previous to this stoppage, and who, at the moment, have little or no chance of obtaining employment so as to come within the meaning of the Regulation as to trying to find suitable work?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I cannot give an answer to any of these questions unless the hon. Member will give me notice. The test that is applied is the reasonable possibility, amongst the other criteria, of being able to obtain work.