§ Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Labour if he proposes to introduce legisla- 1804W tion at an early date to increase the allowances to unemployed men and women and their dependants?
§ Sir M. BARLOWIn view of the present burden on the Unemployment Fund, I am not in a position to propose any increase in these allowances.
§ Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed men have been declared ineligible for benefit by the Bridgeton Local Employment Exchange, Glasgow, during the month of November, as not genuinely seeking employment?
§ Sir M. BARLOWFigures for November are not yet available, but I will send them to the hon. Member as soon as they are received.
§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the Minister of Labour whether, in considering claims for uncovenanted benefit, local employment committees are instructed by Regulation or otherwise to take into account trade union benefits which the applicant may be receiving; and, if so, will he state the reason?
§ Sir M. BARLOWUnder the general powers conferred by the Act it has been decided that, with a view to making the best possible use of the Unemployment Insurance Funds, in general, uncovenanted benefit should be paid only where there is definite necessity. It is, therefore, proper for committees to take into account all the sources of family income, including trade union benefit. In the case of covenanted benefit, the income of applicants, provided that they are unemployed, is not taken into account.