§ 43. Mr. Bevanasked the Minister of Labour the number of single men over the age of 18 years who are living with their relatives and are in receipt of unemployment allowances, the number of such persons who are not living with relatives, and the average weekly allowance paid to each class?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)Information precisely in the form desired by the hon. Member is not available, but it is estimated that out of a total of approximately 125,000 single mate applicants aged 16 years and over, about 55,000 are living as members of households consisting of two or more persons. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that information is not available.
§ Mr. BevanWill the hon. Member take steps to obtain this information which it is very necessary the House should 754 have if it is to form a judgment on this matter?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt would be impossible to obtain this information without a great deal of trouble and considerable expense, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the result would not justify such an inquiry.
§ Mr. BevanDoes not the hon. Member think it is necessary that the public should know on what standard of living the Government expect these young men to live?