HC Deb 24 February 1936 vol 309 cc38-9
69. Mr. BEVAN

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in the special areas who, for various reasons, are not protected by the stand-still arrangement, and the additional cost to the board provided these persons were so protected?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

The provisions of the Unemployment Assistance (Temporary Provisions), 1935, apply to all persons who are in receipt of allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board, and in all cases applicants receive the amounts which would have been payable by way of transitional payments or the amounts computed on the basis of the board's regulations, whichever are the more favourable to them. I do not, understand, therefore, the hon. Member's reference to persons who are not protected by these arrangements.

Mr. BEVAN

Will the hon. and gallant Member try to reply to the question? Is there no difference between the board's regulations which were withdrawn and the transitional payments which were formerly in operation? Seeing that the transitional payments were higher than those under the board's regulations will he now tell the House what is the actual difference in the cost between the two?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

The hon. Member asked me to answer his question. His question is, "Will I state the number of persons in special areas who for various reasons are not protected by the stand-still arrangement?" and as I find it difficult to understand to what people the hon. Member refers—and I still find it difficult—I cannot state the number of persons.

Mr. BEVAN

Is not the hon. and gallant Member aware that all new cases, and all cases in which there is a change of circumstances, come under the board's regulations, and not under the stand-still order? Is the hon. and gallant Member not aware of that very well known fact, and is he not in a position to tell the House the additional cost?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

No, the stand-still arrangement means that whichever is the higher sum to which a man is entitled, whether under the Unemployment Assistant Board's determination or under transitional payments, he is to get the higher sum.

Miss WILKINSON

On a point of Order. This is really rather important, because the Minister apparently misunderstands entirely what the position is in the special areas.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put down his question again.