HC Deb 16 February 1939 vol 343 cc1877-8
25. Mr. Pilkington

asked the Minister of Labour the comparative average unemployment assistance rates over the last five years?

Mr. E. Brown

In 1934, which was the last year of the transitional payments scheme, the average payment was 20s. 7d. per week and in the four succeeding years the average weekly payments of unemployment assistance allowances were: 23s., 23s. 9d., 24s. 3d. and 24s., respectively. These average payments exclude payments of allowances in supplementation of unemployment insurance benefit.

27. Mr. George Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour whether the 10s. billeting allowance in respect of children who are evacuated in war-time will be taken into account in determining unemployment assistance allowances in future?

Mr. E. Brown

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) on 9th February.

Mr. Griffiths

Would not the Minister say that that reply related to an entirely different question?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir.

Mr. Griffiths

My question was whether there is to be a rise in the amount allowed for the unemployed child, not what is to be taken off because somebody refuses to give an increase on account of people getting this ten shillings for a child.

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Member will look at the answer to which I referred he will find that it covers all those points.

Mr. George Hall

Is it not the case that if the right hon. Gentleman looked at the reply he would find that it did not cover the points?

Mr. Brown

I shall be very glad to look at it.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman did not look at the reply before he answered the question?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir, but I will look at it again.