asked the Prime Minister the amounts provided by the State during the financial years ending 21st March, 1914, 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively, for the relief of unemployment?

I have been asked to reply. For the financial year ending March 31st, 1914, the voted expenditure on unemployment in the United Kingdom (excluding cost of administration) was 1602,000; for the financial year 1919–20, £37,617,000, practically all Out-of-Work Donation; and for the financial year 1920–21, £14,118,636, mainly Out-of-Work Donation. The provision in the Estimates and Supplementary Estimates for the financial year 1921–22 in respect of unemployment (excluding cost of administration) to talled £22,919,175. Very considerable advances were also made from the Road Fund. In addition, the Exchequer loaned to the Unemployment Insurance Fund, during the past financial year, £13,950,000. Furthermore, there is a contingent liability on the State in respect of the Export Credits, and Trade Facilities schemes.