Mr. ERSKINEasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the many recent prosecutions of people fraudulently drawing, or attempting to draw, unemployment benefit, he will issue such Regulations as will minimise the continuance of this illegal practice?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe average number of prosecutions during the last seven months has been at the rate of about 160 per month, or a little under 2, 000 per annum. On the hypothesis that about 3, 500, 000 persons are at one time or 1165W another during the year claiming unemployment benefit, this is a percentage of '055. From this it will be seen that, while the actual number of wrongful claims must in itself be considerable, yet it is a comparatively small percentage of the total of those who at one time or another claim benefit. The prevention of the improper receipt of benefit is a matter to which the closest attention is given, and all practical steps are taken to safeguard the Unemployment Fund from abuse.