HC Deb 16 December 1937 vol 330 cc1357-8W
Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour the method adopted to ascertain what would be the amount coming into a household if the applicant for unemployment assistance was following his normal occupation; whether the amount is fixed on the wages earned when last employed; and whether changes in wage rates since the applicant became unemployed are taken into consideration?

Mr. E. Brown

As regards the first part of the question, I am informed that, apart from the normal inquiries of the applicant, officers of the Board make use of the extensive information as to wage rates in the possession of local offices of my Department. In cases of doubt local advisory committees are frequently consulted. As regards the second part, regard is had to the amount which would probably be earned by the applicant if he became re-employed in his normal occupa- tion. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative.