BRITAIN'S UNEMPLOYED

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1932, Page 5

BRITAIN'S UNEMPLOYED

AMELIORATION ACTIVITIES,

NATIONAL VOTE INCREASED,

(British Official Wireless.) (Received 1 p.m.) RUGBY, December 20,

The national vote of £19,000,000 on ■ behalf of unemployment, which was passed by the House of Commons last; night, was mainly required for the payment of transitional benefits under the insurance fund, and in order to maintain a continued balance of that fund. This is an increase upon the original estimate and was in part a sequel to the somewhat optimistic over-estimate of employment. It'was pointed out by Sir Henry Betterton, Minister of Labour, that the world’s deterioration, which showed -Signs of, being arrested when the original estimates were framed, had progressively continued, and the expected improvement had not materialised. He emphasised -that Britain bore the cost of unemployment without borrowing, and was almost alone among the nat ions in maintaining its position in face of the formidable economic crisis.

The supplementary estimates .also included the Government’s contribution of £IO,OOO towards voluntary movements which have extended remarkably during the recent months to help unemployed in finding useful, healthy means of occupying their time. The Prime Minister last night broadcast an earnest appeal to the public for support of these activities.