§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour, having regard to the fact that the accumulated surplus of the Unemployment Fund has been lent to the Government, from what source the fund will obtain the funds for the payment of unemployment benefit during those periods when benefits exceed contributions.
§ Mr. BevinThe securities in which the surplus has been invested can be realised as and when this becomes necessary. These securities have been selected with this possibility in mind.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women out of work on 16th October compared with the number on 17th July; what was the cause of the increase between these dates; and if there was an increase in the Northern Region.
§ Mr. BevinOn 16th October there were 47,442 men without work, compared with 37,351 on 17th July; figures for women were 16,084 and 11,370 respectively. The increase has been due to a number of causes including the release of firewatchers from private employment. In common with the rest of the country the Northern Region has some increase in unemployment.