asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of persons in South Wales and Monmouthshire who have obtained an increase in unemployment assistance allowance for each month in 1937 to date, and the number who have sustained a decrease and the total sums, respectively?
I assume that the hon. Member's question relates to increases and decreases as a result of the operation of the Unemployment Assistance Regulations, 1936, as distinct from adjustments which are due to changes in applicants' circumstances. Figures are not available to show month by month the number of persons in South Wales and Monmouthshire who obtained increased unemployment allowances, but in the Unemployment Assistance Board's administrative districts of Cardiff, Newport and Swansea the number of persons whose assessments in December, 1936, when all cases had been reviewed under the new Regulations, were greater than they would have been under the standstill arrangements was about 29,800.
In the same districts the numbers of applicants for assistance receiving allowances which had been reduced by way of adjustment of the standstill arrangements otherwise than on account of personal earnings were:
| At end of— | Number | |
| January, 1937 | … | 64 |
| February, 1937 | … | 458 |
| March, 1937 | … | 650 |
| April, 1937 | … | 890 |
| May, 1937 | … | 1,181 |
| June, 1937 | … | 2,294 |
| July, 1937 | … | 4,376 |
| August, 1937 | … | 4,447 |
| September, 1937 | … | 4,795 |
| October, 1937 | … | 4,934 |
| November, 1937 | … | 5,159 |
| December, 1937 | … | 5,062 |
| January, 1938 | … | 5,174 |
In so far as the same individuals remain in receipt of allowances these figures are cumulative.
Information regarding the total sums involved by the above increases and decreases is not available.