asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were in receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1938?

I regret that figures are not available showing the total numbers of persons who received unemployment benefit or allowances during the 12 months ended December, 1938. The average number of persons, aged 16–64, with claims admitted for insurance benefit in Great Britain during that period (as indicated by the figures compiled for one date in each month) was 1,034,695. The corresponding figure in respect of persons with applications authorised for unemployment allowances (exclusive of allowances in supplementation of insurance benefit) was 541,181.

My question was, what was the total number who had received benefit?

I understood that, and I have gone as near telling the hon. Member as I possibly could. He asks for the number of persons, but he must understand that in regard to applications for benefit a man may have several applications in the course of one year.

Mr. Silver man:

Surely, it is possible to say how many persons have received benefit?

I regret it is not.