§ 1. Mr. Mulveyasked the Minister of National Insurance what was the proportion of unemployed persons to the total population of insured in Northern Ireland for 1947, and what were the like figures for Great Britain in the same period; and whether the Government are still carrying on the first re-insurance agreement made with the Northern Ireland Government.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)The proportion for 1947 of unemployed persons to the total population of insured persons was 7.9 per cent. in Northern Ireland and 3 per cent. in Great Britain. The operation of the re-insurance agreement made in 1935 was suspended in 1942. A new agreement, covering unemployment insurance, unemployment assistance and family allowances was made on 8th September, 1946, and confirmed in the Unemployment and Family Allowances (Northern Ireland Agreement) Act, 1946. This agreement came into effect on 1st April, 1946.
§ Mr. MulveyCan the right hon. Gentleman say what portion of the deficit of 182 £11½ million in the Northern Ireland Unemployment Fund was paid by the British Exchequer under the first agreement—the agreement covering the period between 1920 and 1936?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am afraid I could not give that figure without notice. Since 1946 we have paid into the Northern Ireland Fund 3,200,000. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question on the other matter.