HC Deb 23 November 1933 vol 283 c238
6. Mr. JOEL

asked the Minister of Labour if he can give any estimate as to the amount of money which has been saved during the present financial year through the operation of the means test and the maintenance of transitional payments at the present scale?

Sir H. BETTERTON

It is estimated that during the seven months of the current financial year to the end of October, 1933, the reduction in transitional payments through the operation of the needs test amounts to approximately £8,750,000 and the reduction in such payments through the lower maximum rates introduced in October, 1931, amounts to approximately £4,000,000.

Mr. T. SMITH

Does the Minister appreciate the hardship of trying to save this £8,000,000 on the unemployed?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, but what I do appreciate is that it was obvious that a large amount of money was being paid to those who had no right to it.