HC Deb 19 October 1939 vol 352 cc1054-5W
Mr. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living, it is intended proportionately to increase the scales of unemployment benefit and unemployment allowance?

Mr. E. Brown

I cannot add anything at the moment to replies given recently on this subject in the House.

Mr. Pearson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange with the Unemployment Assistance Board to make an inquiry into the weekly budget of applicants in receipt of unemployment assistance allowances with a view to finding out the actual effect of the increased prices of household necessities since the outbreak of war?

Mr. E. Brown

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on the 27th September, the Board are closely watching the position with regard to increases in the cost of living as far as they affect their applicants. In these circumstances I do not think that a formal inquiry into the matter, which would inevitably occupy a considerable time, would be justified.