§ 13. Sir ASSHETON POWNALLasked the Minister of Labour what is the present indebtedness of the unemployment insurance fund; and how much the debt will increase each week if the live register increases by 100,000 over the present figure?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe debt of the unemployment fund on the 8th February, 1930, was £36,770,000. If the live register were 100,000 higher than it is now, the total excess of outgoings over revenue, so far as can be estimated at present, would be about £300,000 per week on the 577 average, excluding interest accruing due, which is paid half-yearly in September and March.
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan the right hon. Lady say how long it will take, if the extra 100,000 unemployed materialises, for the extent of the present borrowing powers to be reached?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI must have notice of that question.