HC Deb 15 June 1933 vol 279 cc298-9
4. Mr. BUCHANAN

(for Mr. McGOVERN) asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed persons in the building trade up-to-date and the total unemployment benefit being paid?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The number of insured persons in the building industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain at 22nd May, 1933, was 168,896. Accounts are not kept of insurance benefit or transitional payments paid in separate trades, but assuming that the average rates for men and boys apply to this trade, the approximate cost of insurance benefit and transitional payments for the above number would be £135,000 a week.