§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Labour by what amount the cost of continuing transitional period benefits for the year 1930–31 has exceeded her estimate; and what she anticipates the cost will be during the forthcoming year, assuming an average number of 3,000,000 persons on the unemployment register?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe estimate for transitional benefit (including the supplementary estimate) in 1930–31 amounts to £22,000,000. The expenditure to 14th February, 1931, amounted to £17,860,000 and so far as can be foreseen the total cost for 1930–31 may be somewhat less than £22,000,000. It is not possible to make any reliable estimate of the cost of transitional benefit in 1931–32 on the hon. Member's assumption.
§ Colonel ENGLANDasked the Minister of Labour what will be the estimated cost by extending transitional period benefit for a further year from April next, with the unemployment register carrying an average of 2,000,000 and 2,500,000 unemployed, respectively?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe cost of extending the transitional period by a further year from April next would fall within the two financial years 1931–32 and 1932–33. Any estimate of the effect of a register of 2,000,000 or 2,500,000 continuing during that period can be little more than conjecture but, if such conditions obtain, the cost of a year's extension is likely to be between £30,000,000 or £40,000,000.