§ R. Robinsonasked the Minister of Labour what was the balance of the Unemployment Fund at the latest available date; what would be the annual cost of admitting seasonal workers to full benefit; and whether the cash position of the Fund justifies taking this step?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe total balance of the Unemployment Fund at the 16th October, 1937, was about £58,870,000. The amount of unemployment benefit which, but for the Seasonal Workers' Order, would be paid cannot be calculated with any accuracy, but is probably of the order of £250,000 a year. As regards the last part of the question I shall not be in a position to say whether the Fund has a disposable surplus until the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee makes its next annual report.
§ H. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the present surplus of the Unemployment Fund on current account and also the present amount of the funded debt?
42Wemployment in the city of Leicester by in-the other area the hon. Member has in clustries, numbers, and percentages for the mind, are 53 and 12, respectively. months of July and August, 1937, respectively?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe available figures relate to the area served by the Leicester Employment Exchange and Juvenile Employment Bureau. The following table shows for this area:
§ Mr. E. BrownOn 16th October, 1937, the total balance of the Unemployment Fund was about £58,870,000, but this cannot properly be described as a surplus. The amount of the debt outstanding at that date was £103,122,000.