HC Deb 17 June 1963 vol 679 cc13-4
18. Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what effect rises in the number of unemployed have on the payment of National Assistance; and what were the amounts paid in the Blyth constituency during the years 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1962, respectively.

Mrs. Thatcher

If the number of persons unemployed rises, and, in consequence, there is an increase in the number of such persons who apply for National Assistance, the effect is, of course, to raise expenditure on National Assistance. I regret that figures asked for by the hon. Member are not now available for years before 1961. The total amount of National Assistance paid to persons registering at employment exchanges in the Blyth constituency was: about £29,200 in 1961 and about £48,400 in 1962.

Mr. Milne

Is the hon. Lady aware of the corroding effect of unemployment and the fact that it leads to increased expenditure of this sort which would be far more gainfully employed in bringing new jobs to the area, and will she consult the appropriate Government Department responsible for this unemployment to see that they do something about it?

Mrs. Thatcher

My right hon. Friend is pursuing that question very vigorously. The figures for which I am answerable show that the people who are unemployed have no hesitation in seeking help from the National Assistance Board.

19. Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what was the amount of National Assistance paid out in the Blyth constituency during 1962; and what effect the new pensions increase will have on the figure for 1963.

Mrs. Thatcher

For reasons which have been explained to the House previously, it is not possible to give the total amount of National Assistance paid to all recipients in a particular locality.

Mr. Milne

Is the hon. Lady aware that some of the recent pensions increases have been detracted from because of the method of paying National Assistance, and will she look again more closely into this matter, which is having an adverse effect not only in my constituency but throughout the country?

Mrs. Thatcher

The combined effect of recent pensions increases and National Assistance increases means that more will be spent next year on National Assistance than this year—because of the last but one National Assistance increase. For 1963–64, the estimated expenditure on National Assistance grants is £209 million, compared with £196 million last year.