HC Deb 25 June 1931 vol 254 cc593-4
13. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

asked the Minister of Labour what is estimated to be the amount of the anomalies of each of the four classes of workers whose total anomalies are estimated by the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance to amount in all to £5,500,000 at existing rates?

Miss BONDFIELD

The Royal Commission Report does not give separate figures for the four classes. The data necessary for a close estimate are not available, but I am advised that it may be, roughly speaking, estimated that out of the estimated total of £5,500,000 the classes comprising casual and short-time workers and married women would each account for between £2,000,000 and £2,500,000, and intermittent and seasonal workers together for between £750,000 and £1,000,000.

Sir A. POWNALL

I could not follow the figures given by the right hon.

18 years or upwards. In respect of each such employed persons, the employer, the worker and the State make an equal contribution of sixpence a week each. The rates of benefit now paid are as shown in the following table; but the benefit may in no case exceed one-half of the amount of wages payable weekly under any award to (or, if there is no award, in accordance with the locally prevailing rates of wages of) workers employed in the same calling as that of the unemployed worker in the locality where the unemployed worker lives.

Lady. I took it that she said that the first two classes would each account for £2,500,000, and the others for £3,000,000, a total which is very much more than £5,500,000.

Miss BONDFIELD

No, we cannot divide them up into each category. We have to take them in a lump. Casual and short-time workers would account for £2,000,000, and, in respect of married women, it is estimated that it might be £2,500,000. It is estimated that of intermittent and seasonal workers it would be something like £750,000.

Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

Can the right hon. Lady give me the approximate figures as well as the total amount of money, or shall I put down a question?

Miss BONDFIELD

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question.