40. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Labour the number of persons aged 65 who are at present in receipt of unemployment benefit; and what is the anticipated saving that will be effected in the year 1928, when persons aged 65 will cease to draw unemployment insurance benefit?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI would refer my hon. Friend to the Report of the Government Actuary on the financial provisions of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Pensions Bill, paragraph 32. He there estimates the number of unemployed persons over the age of 65 insured under the unemployment, scheme when the age. pensions commence as 65,000, and the net annual savings to the Unemployment Fund as £2,100,000.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a fact that, when the old age pension comes into operation in 1928, on account of their income being reduced they will have to fall back on the guardians?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDMy hon. Friend will have to put that question, first of all, to the Minister of Health, and, if need be, to the Government Actuary.