asked the Minister of Labour whether he can provide reliable statistical evidence to show that young men had been receiving unemployment benefit who had declined to avail themselves of opportunities of employment?

I think the right hon. Member is under some misapprehension. A claimant is disqualified for receiving unemployment benefit if he has neglected to avail himself of a reasonable opportunity of suitable employment. The question whether a claimant so disqualified shall receive unemployment assistance is a matter for decision by the officers of the Unemployment Assistance Board in the light of the claimant's circumstances, subject, of course, to the usual rights of appeal. Separate statistics are not maintained showing the number of young men disqualified from benefit on this ground.

Is it not a fact that in some cases the unemployed are set to work which they are unable to do, and they are penalised?

No, I think not. The fundamental rule of the Employment Exchange is to find suitable men for suitable jobs.

Are there any specific figures to show that young men are given employment?

I have said so before.

Why then has the statement been made by the right hon. Gentleman in regard to young men that he did not propose the indefinite continuance of unconditional assistance?

If the hon. Member will read further, and not finish in the middle of the quotation, he will see that it says: for young men who decline to do anything to equip themselves for employment."— [OFFCIAL REPORT,, 2nd March, 1939; col. 1431, Vol. 3–14.]

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say there were no statistics?

There may be facts if there are no statistics.