HC Deb 20 March 1936 vol 310 cc772-3W
Mr. WATSON

asked the Minister of Labour, whether he can state the amount of money paid out in unemployment payments, stating benefit and assistance separately, in the counties of Midlothian, West Lothian, and Fife, for the years 1931 to 1935 inclusive?

Mr. E. BROWN

The following table shows the amounts paid in unemployment benefit, transitional payments and unemployment allowances, at Employment Exchanges in the counties of Midlothian, West Lothian and Fife in each of the years 1931 to 1935. Payments made through Associations are not included, but the number is relatively small.

by how much the Unemployment Fund would be increased by these additional contributions?

Mr. E. BROWN

There are no statistics available on which to make precise estimates of the number of persons normally employed in England and Wales whose earnings do not exceed £400 per annum; the majority of these persons are, of course, at present insured under the Unemployment Insurance scheme. From such data as are available, however, it is estimated that the extension of the remuneration limit for unemployment insurance purposes to £400 would add (for Great Britain) about £2 millions to the annual contribution income of the Unemployment Fund. From this would have to be deducted the additional cost of benefit and of administration in respect of the new class of contributors.