§ 24. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour whether there is to be any reduction of the allowance of the 60,000 young men who were specifically mentioned in the memorandum of the Unemployment Assistance Board when the Regulations were issued?
Mr. BROWNThe estimate of 60,000 to which my hon. Friend refers did not relate only to young single applicants but included also all cases of grossly excessive allowances. I am informed by the board that they do not intend to make reductions of allowances in such cases in any area until the advisory committee for that area has had an opportunity of considering the matter. When all cases have been reassessed under the new Regulations, particulars will be submitted to each committee, but in the meantime the board have asked the committees to consider dealing with certain limited types of case at an early date. This request is set out in a Memorandum A.C.G. /4, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The total number of applicants of all classes affected in this initial period would 1023 probably be about 8,000, and these would be in large part applicants with substantial personal earnings in addition to their allowances.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a Press report stating that there would be no reduction before Christmas?
Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member surely would not wish me to take responsibility for a Press report. That would be a little too hard.