§ 9. Sir A. POWNALLasked the Minister of Labour what is the present indebtedness of the unemployment insurance fund; and, if the unemployment figures remain at their present figure, how long it will take before the maximum of £40,000,000 is reached?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe debt of the unemployment fund on the 10th November was £36,850,000. I am afraid I cannot answer the second part of the question, because it asks me, in effect, to assume that there will be no changes in the unemployment insurance scheme, and, as the hon. Member knows, I shall very shortly be placing proposals before the House in this connection.
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan the right hon. Lady say what is the balancing point?
§ Miss BONDFIELDAt the present moment, the balancing point is about 1,020,000.
§ Mr. STEPHENCan the Minister say when the Bill will be available?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI hope it will be in the Vote Office on Friday morning.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan the right hon. Lady say when steps will be taken to reduce the unemployment figure to the balancing point?