HC Deb 09 February 1932 vol 261 cc663-4
71. Mr. G. MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Labour the number of women disqualified from unemployment benefits as a result of the Anomalies Act; the number disqualified under each of the four sections; and giving separate figures for Lancashire?

Mr. HUDSON

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. MAXTON

Perhaps the hon. Member could tell us whether or not the figures for the rest of the country are substantially higher?

Mr. HUDSON

As the rest of the country is greater than Lancashire, that would follow.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Do not the figures show that the administration of this Act is being carried out under this Government in a harsher way than the late Government intended to carry out the Act?

Mr. HUDSON

No, Sir.

Following is the statement:

Number of Women's Claims to benefit disallowed by Courts of Referees in Great Britain (with separate figures for Lancashire) under the Anomalies Regulations up to 31st December, 1931.
Class of person (Unemplomyent Insurance (No.3) Act, 1931, Section 1 (2)). Great Britain. Lancashire.
(b) Seasonal workers 11,144 2,752
(d) Married women 134,089 31,294
(a) and (c) Persons habitually or normally working for part only of the week. 738 76
Total 145,971 34,122