HC Deb 28 January 1937 vol 319 cc1086-7W
Mr. Silverman

asked the Minister of Health how many persons, including dependants, in Lancashire were, on the latest date for which figures are available, in receipt of public assistance; and what is the total weekly payment involved?

Sir K. Wood

In December, 1936, the average number of persons (including dependants) in receipt of out relief in the administrative county of Lancaster and the 17 associated county boroughs was 219,652, and the average weekly amount paid was £90,935.

Mr. Silverman

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many persons, including dependants, in Lancashire were, on the latest date for which figures are available, in receipt of payments from the Unemployment Assistance Board; and what is the total weekly payment involved;

(2) how many persons, including dependants, in Lancashire were, on the latest date for which figures are available, in receipt of standard unemployment benefit; and what is the total weekly payment involved?

Mr. E. Brown

The following table gives the available information regarding the numbers and amounts of payments through Employment Exchanges in Lancashire in the week ended 15th January, 1937:

Number of payments. Amount paid.
£
Unemployment Assistance. 104,564 123,112
Unemployment Benefit:
General Scheme 131,132 111,052
Agricultural Scheme 874 668

The figures do not include payments of benefit through associations, for which a geographical analysis is not available. Statistics showing the number of dependants in respect of whom payment was made in the week in question are not available, but at 23rd November, 1936, the latest date for which figures are available, the authorisation of benefit in this area included payment for 81 dependants on the average for every 100 claims. Corresponding particulars are not available in respect of applicants for unemployment allowances.