§ 35. Mr. COCKSasked the Minister of Labour what would have been the total cost to the Exchequer of unemployment benefit in the past 12 months if the means test had been abolished and benefit restored to its former level?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONOn the hypothesis stated in the question, the total cost of insurance benefit and transitional payments, together with administrative expenses and interest on debt, in the year 1932–3 would, it is estimated, have been about £147,500,000 of which about £109,000,000 would have fallen on the Exchequer.
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have the figures here. The cost actually incurred under the law as it stood was £118,000,000, of which £79,500,000 is chargeable to the State.
§ Mr. LAWSONAxe we to take it that the Government have saved £36,000,000 during the past 12 months?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have given the figures in answer to a question, and the hon. Member must draw his own conclusion.