HC Deb 09 April 1925 vol 182 cc2452-4W
Mr. BECKETT

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Martin Brennan, a miner, has had his un- employment benefit stopped and his appeal disallowed for refusing work at Doncaster, and that Mr. Brennan has three children and an invalid wife, and could not possibly break his home up at the moment; and if he will give this case careful consideration?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

After a period of eight months' unemployment, Mr. Brennan was offered apparently suitable work at Doncaster, and on his refusal the Insurance Officer disallowed benefit. The Court of Referees, after careful consideration of the case, upheld the Insurance Officer's decision. It is open to Mr. Brennan's union to appeal to the Umpire on his behalf, but I have no power to intervene.

Sir G. LLOYD

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total cost of unemployment insurance payments during each of the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The total amount of unemployment benefit paid Curing each of the insurance years (July to July) 1918–19 to 1923–24, is as follows:

Insurance year. £
1918–19 … … … 152,721
1919–20 … … … 1,009,126
1920–21 … … … 34,118,195
1921–22 … … … 52,848,214
1922–23 … … … 41,880,832
1923–24 … … … 35,971,411

Sir G. LLOYD

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unmarried men below the age of 30 years in receipt of unemployment insurance payments in each of the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Statistics are not regularly compiled as to the age or marital state of claimants to unemployment benefit, but in November, 1923, and November, 1924, a special analysis was made in respect of 1 per cent. of the total number of claimants at those dates and from the results of these inquiries it would appear that, of the total number of males claiming unemployment benefit, about 25 per cent. were unmarried men under 30 years of age. If this percentage be applied to the 925,600 male claimants who were recorded at Employment Exchanges on 30th March, 1925, the unmarried males under 30 years of age would be found to number 231,400.

Sir G. LLOYD

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women, respectively, who have received unemployment insurance payments in each of the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am considering how far it is possible to obtain the information which my hon. Friend desires, and will communicate with him on the matter as soon as I can.