HC Deb 13 December 1922 vol 159 cc2975-7W
Sir A. HUNTER-WESTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there is continued unemployment and distress in Annan, Gretna, and adjoining areas owing to the closing down of His Majesty's factory, Gretna; and whether he can hold out any hope that the property will be disposed of en bloc with a view to converting it into an

in receipt of out-relief and how many were drawing the unemployment allowance during the week ending 9th December in England and Wales, respectively?

Sir M. BARLOW

I regret that figures are not at present available for the week in question, but, on the 2nd December, approximately 1,082,500 persons were in receipt of out-door relief in England and 111,300 in Wales. The estimated number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit for the week ending the 2nd December was 894,000 in England and 40,700 in Wales.

Mr. GILBERT

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total amount paid out for unemployment benefit in the years 1920, 1921, and the present year to date; and what proportion each year has been found by employers' and employés' contributions and by the Government?

Sir M. BARLOW

The following table shows the total amount of unemployment benefit paid in the calendar years 1920, 1921 and the present year to date together with the amounts which have been contributed by employers, employés and the State. Against the difference shown there is, of course, to be set off the accumulated balance in hand at the beginning of 1920 and the sums which have been advanced since July, 1921, from the Consolidated Fund.

industrial centre, thus saving cost of maintenance and reducing the present unemployment with its heavy cost in unemployment benefits?

Mr. BALDWIN

For over a year every effort has been made to dispose of the propertyen bloc, but I regret to say that up to the present no offer, which could possibly be entertained, has been received. In this connection, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on behalf of the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Forfar, on the 5th July last.