HC Deb 09 December 1925 vol 189 cc495-6W
Miss WILKINSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some Employment Exchange officials are informing certain applicants for benefit who have been refused that there is no need for them to sign on for a few weeks; and whether, in view of the effect this is likely to have on the unemployment returns, he will give instructions that this practice should cease?

Mr. BETTERTON

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply of 19th November, to the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn), of which I am sending her a copy. If particulars of any specific case can be supplied to me, I will cause immediate enquiries to be made.

Mr. PILCHER

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can arrange for the number of persons in insured industries, and particularly the motor-car industry, to be calculated and published each month instead of, as at present, once a year in respect of July?

Mr. BETTERTON

The statistics of numbers of insured persons employed in the various industries are obtained by an analysis of the unemployment books

of insured workers, when handed in to be exchanged for new books in July of each year. By this method, therefore, figures can only be obtained once a year, and I am afraid no other method is available.

Mr. J. GUEST

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployment books on deposit at the Employment Exchanges on 9th November, 1925; the number of persons signing the live register on the same date and receiving unemployment benefit; and the number of persons whose books remained on deposit on 9th November but who are not signing the live register or receiving benefit?

Mr. BETTERTON

At 26th October, the latest date for which figures are available, 1,287,733 unemployment books were recorded as "lodged" at Employment Exchanges and Juvenile Employment Bureaux in Great Britain. Of this total, 1,176,471 related to persons who either had claims to benefit current or were maintaining registration, but I am unable to say how many were then actually receiving benefit. The balance of 111,262 consists of persons whose unemployment books were lodged, but who had no claim to benefit current, and were not maintaining registration.