asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the need for an increase in benefits or allowances to be made at the Christmas period to all applicants for insurance benefit and applicants for assistance from the Unemment Assistance Board; and can he state the amounts that are to be allowed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day) on 10th November.

Are steps taken to inform the recipients of standard benefit that they can apply to the Unemployment Assistance Board for weekly allowances if their circumstances require it?

I think that they understand that. If the hon. Gentleman knows of any cases in which he thinks that they do not know their rights, perhaps he will let we know.

Is it not a fact that it is not generally known? If the right hon. Gentleman will make it known I am sure that many more will apply.

I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to the weekly allowances, and the question on the Order Paper deals with allowances for Christmas.