HC Deb 03 March 1926 vol 192 cc1415-6
48. Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Minister of Labour how much money has been paid in unemployment benefit since the scheme was introduced; the average weekly amount thus spent per person; and the number of people now in receipt of this form of relief?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The total sum paid in unemployment benefit since benefit first became payable in January, 1913, is approximately £239,830,000. The necessary data are not available for expressing this sum as an average weekly amount per person, over the whole period. The average amount paid to persons in receipt of benefit during the week ended 20th February, 1926, was 18s. 7d., and the number of persons to whom benefit was paid during that week was approximately 855,400.

Mr. RILEY

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what is the amount contributed respectively by employers, workmen and the Government?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must put that question on the Paper.