§ 33. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Minister of Labour if any estimate has been prepared of the expenditure of the Unemployment Assistance Board in respect of allowances in the first year of its operation?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)No, Sir; it is not possible to frame an estimate of the expenditure of the Unemployment Assistance Board, in respect of allowances without more knowledge of the number of applicants on the appointed days and in advance of the regulations for the determination and assessment of needs of applicants for assistance which, under Part II of the Unemployment Bill now before the House, are to be submitted to and approved by both Houses of Parliament. In this connection, I should like to refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 15 and 18 of the Financial Memorandum which accompanied the Bill.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLWill the hon. Gentleman inform the House whether it is anticipated that the assistance will be more, or less, generous than was given under the Public Assistance Committee?
§ Mr. HUDSONIt will very largely depend upon the regulations issued by the board.