§ 26. Sir A. POWNALLasked the Minister of Labour how long it will take before the limit to the borrowing powers of the Unemployment Insurance Fund is reached if the unemployment figure exceeds the present total by 100,000?
§ Miss BONDFIELDIf the live register were 100,000 higher than it is at present and remained at that figure, it is estimated that the limit of borrowing powers would be reached towards the end of April. I should mention that, apart from other uncertain factors, this estimate is based on the assumption that only a small part of the additional benefit would be "transitional benefit," the cost of which is reimbursed to the Fund by the Exchequer, and would not therefore add to the total of the debt.
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan the right hon. Lady say whether this takes into account the changes that will come into effect on 13th March?
§ Miss BONDFIELDYes.