HC Deb 07 December 1939 vol 355 c785
16. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Minister of Labour the amount of surplus cash carried to the credit of the Unemployment Insurance Fund in each of the last three financial years?

Mr. E. Brown

The excess receipts of the Unemployment Fund over payments during each of the three financial years ended 31st March, 1939, were:

1936–7 … … £19,504,962
1937–8 … … £19,781,013
1938–9 … … £2,751,313
Mr. Kirkwood

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that this amount has been contributed by those from 18 to 65 years of age and after that age they go off the fund. Cannot a payment be made from the fund to raise the allowances of old age pensioners?

Mr. Brown

I shall he glad to discuss the matter with the hon. Member, but the suggestion he has made would be wholly impracticable.

17. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Minister of Labour particulars showing the amount of surplus derived from unemployment insurance payments made on account of persons in the following age groups: 18 to 35 years, 36 to 55 years, and 56 to 65 years?

Mr. Brown

I regret that figures are not available from which the desired information could be obtained.