HC Deb 30 July 1936 vol 315 cc1699-700
14. Mr. THORNE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the approximate number of able-bodied unemployed in West Ham that will be taken over by the Unemployment Assistance Board on the second appointed day in April, 1937?

Mr. E. BROWN

No, Sir; I regret that these figures are not available.

Mr. THORNE

Why?

Mr. BROWN

Because they are not available.

Mr. THORNE

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give the number? Is it not the case that between now and 10th November the Government will have to decide the number of able-bodied men to be taken over from the local authorities and dealt with by the board?

Mr. BROWN

That is not so. The date is 1st of April next year.

Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

How is the Unemployment Assistance Board to perform its duties if it does not know the number of persons affected?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will look at a previous statement he will see that the figure of 200,000 has always been given as an approximate figure.

Mr. THORNE

If the right hon. Gentleman will apply to the officials they will soon give him the number of people who will be taken over.