§ 7. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Minister of Labour if there are any statistics available to show the net gain or loss to individual industries arising from unemployment insurance?
§ Miss BONDFIELDPrecise figures are not available, but rough estimates, subject to a wide margin of error, can be 2335 made for large groups of industries showing the relative amounts of contributions paid and benefits drawn. Those industries in which the contributions exceeded the benefits drawn have, of course, had the advantage of cover for the risk of heavy unemployment from which, in the light of past experience, no industry can safely regard itself as exempt. It is important to note that, for the purpose of such estimate, the unemployed have to be allocated, broadly speaking, to the industry in which they were last employed. If this allocation were to be made the basis of separate financial responsibility it would certainly be contested in many instances, particuarly in the case of those who have been unemployed for long periods.
§ Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLANDCould the Minister furnish, perhaps in a, White Paper or return, particulars showing in these broad categories for different periods what the results have been in regard either to individual industries or groups or industries, according to the categories which may be most convenient?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI shall be glad to do so. I am working towards that end. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that question again later; I do not think that I am in a position to answer it at once.