§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Labour how many persons were refused unemployment benefit during the 12 months ending 31st December, 1926, because they were resident with relatives whose incomes were considered sufficient to include the maintenance of such persons; what is the minimum amount of income per head coming into a family which entitles the exchange authorities to refuse the grant of unemployment pay; and whether, in fixing the minimum, account is taken of rent, travelling and other expenses incurred by those members of the family who are at work?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIn the 12 months ended 12th January, 1927, the number of cases where this ground of disallowance applied (including those of married women dependent on their husbands) was 126,436, being 33 per cent. of the extended benefit cases considered during that period. No rigid income limit has been laid down below which benefit should always be allowed or above which it should always be refused. Cases are dealt with on their merits, but memoranda for the guidance of local committees have been issued and copies are in the Library. The memorandum chiefly relevant on this point is L.E.C. 82/21, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.