HC Deb 26 June 1930 vol 240 cc1315-6
8. Mr. EDE

asked the Minister of Labour by how much the debt on the Unemployment Insurance Fund has been increased during the lifetime of the present Government; and by how much it was increased during the lifetime of their predecessors?

Miss BONDFIELD

The debt of the Unemployment Fund from 1st June, 1929, to 21st June, 1930, increased by £5,640,000. Under the previous Government, i.e., between 4th November, 1924, and 1st June, 1929, the debt increased by £32,118,686.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Does the right hon. Lady think that these figures give any true indication of the present increase of unemployment during the lifetime of the present Government?

Miss BONDFIELD

I was merely asked to give the figures.