HC Deb 19 February 1931 vol 248 c1474W
Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked 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 BONDFIELD

The 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 ENGLAND

asked 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 BONDFIELD

The 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.