HC Deb 05 April 1928 vol 215 cc2129-30
28. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour what is the amount of the loan made by the Treasury to the Unemployment Insurance Fund up to 31st March, 1928; and whether any investigation has taken place showing the cost of unemployment benefit to various industries, such as that of engineering?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

The amount of debt due to the Treasury from the Unemployment Fund on 31st March, 1928, was £24,530,000. No investigation has taken place showing the cost of unemployment benefit to various industries.

Mr. KELLY

Has the hon. Gentleman received a deputation at any time from the engineering employers with regard to this subject, and has any reply been made?

Mr. BETTERTON

I have not myself. I could not without an inquiry answer whether my right hon. Friend has done so.

Mr. KELLY

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a pamphlet issued by the engineering employers which has been mentioned in the Press in the last few days?

Mr. BETTERTON

Not personally.

Mr. W. THORNE

Does this loan carry interest?

Mr. BETTERTON

It carries interest and the rate, speaking from recollection, varies according to the bank rate. If the hon. Member wishes to know exactly what the arrangement is, I will either write to him or he can put a question down.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Seeing that this is a question that involves the engineering industry and that the operative engineers are at the moment negotiating with the employers for an increase in wages, and that Sir Allan Smith, on behalf of the employers, says it is impossible to give that increase, will the hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Government to give a subsidy to the engineering and shipbuilding industry in order that they may increase wages?

Mr. BATEY

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether money is being used out of the Insurance Fund, and at what rate?

Mr. BETTERTON

I cannot give precise figures without notice, but the fund is being reduced week by week by a small amount.

Mr. BATEY

Can the hon. Gentleman give a rough idea?

Mr. BETTERTON

Last week there was a slight reduction.