HC Deb 04 March 1937 vol 321 c514
10. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Coronation allowance of 2S. 6d. to the unemployed will only go to those now receiving either standard benefit or unemployment assistance, or will it go to all those out of work registered at Employment Exchanges?

Mr. E. Brown

As at the Jubilee, the persons to whom the special Coronation payment will be made are those to whom a payment of unemployment allowance becomes due, as described in the reply to the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan) on 25th February last.

Mr. Mander

Does that mean that the means test will come into operation in connection with the Coronation grant?

Mr. Brown

It means that those who have been out of work longest will get the grant.

Mr. Thorne

Will this also apply to those who are on transitional benefit?

Mr. Brown

It applies to those who receive unemployment allowances.

Mr. Buchanan

Could not a person who is claiming standard benefit, who can now or at any rate from the second appointed day make application, claim an allowance in the same way?

Mr. Brown

I would like to see that question on the Paper. As a rule, those on standard benefit, as at the Jubilee, so now, will not get the allowance.

Mr. Kirby

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it quite clear whether the 2S. 6d. is to be paid to the wife of the man as well as to the man himself?

Mr. Brown

This is a matter of an allowance to the applicant himself and the children.

Mr. Thurtle

Will the 2S. 6d. be paid in instalments or in a lump sum?

Mr. Brown

It will be paid in a lump sum, and it will be cheerfully welcomed by those who receive it.