§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour the total amount paid in unemployment assistance annually since 1931 and the average numbers relieved for each year?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe following table shows approximately the annual expenditure (excluding cost of administration) out of the Unemployment Fund to 31st March, 1936, on transitional payments under the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance (National Economy) (No. 2) Order, 1931, and on unemployment allowances, and the average weekly number of payments:
848W
Year ended Expenditure. Average weekly number of payments. £ 31st March, 1932 (from November, 1931). 15,000,000 831,000 31st March, 1933 50,400,000 988,000 31st March, 1934 48,442,000 951,000 31st March, 1935 42,199,000 761,000 31st March, 1936 42,400,000 705,000 The number of persons relieved cannot be stated as information is not available as to the number of dependants in respect of whom payment was made.