BRITISH UNEMPLOYMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1932, Page 5

BRITISH UNEMPLOYMENT

NINETEEN MILLIONS VOTED ESTIMATE OVER-OPTIMISTIC GRANT TO BALANCE FUNDS VOLUNTARY ALLEVIATION British Wireless. Rugby, Dec. 20. The vote of £19,000,000 on behalf of unemployment was passed by the House of Commons last night. It was mainly required for the payment of transitional benefits under the insurance fund and in order to .maintain the continued balance of _the insurance fund. This increase upon toe original estimate 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 world deterioration, which showed signs of being arrested when the original estimates were framed, had progressingly continued, and the expected improvement had not materialised. He emphasised the fact that Britain bore the cost of unemployment without borrowing and that Britain, almost alone among the nations, was maintaining its position in the face of the formidable economic crisis.

The supplementary estimates also included the Government’s contribution of £lO,OOO towards the voluntary .movements, which have extended remarkably during recent months, to help unemployed in finding useful . and healthy means of occupying their time. The Prime Minister last night broadcasted an earnest, appeal to the public for support for these activities. The supplementary estimate of £3,410,955 for the Irish Free State services was carried by 180 votes to 26. Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, Undersecretary for Dominion Affairs, pointed out that this was necessary owing to the falling yield from duties on Irish goods.