UNEMPLOYMENT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 219, 10 June 1921, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT

BRITISH INSURANCE ACT INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTIONS AND DECREASE IN BENEFITS By Telegraph—Pres* Ae«ociation—Copyright London, Juno 8. In the House of Commons, Dr. T. J. Macnamara, under the ten minutes rule, introduced a Bill to vary rates of contributions under tho Unemployment Insurance Act. Ho said the percentage of unemployment now was 23, involving tho payment of two millions weekly, with an income of only A!350,000. There was only a sum of 8J millions in tho account, though the amount was 22j millions in March, so it was necessary to reduce tho benefit to men to 155., and to women to 12s. Six weeks' benefit would bo added to the 16 allowed under the March Act, otherwise many would bo without assistance in July, August, September, and October. The Treasury was willing _to advance the fund' 16 millions, which could be repaid when circumstances became normal. Therefore it was necessary to increase the borrowing powers from 10 millions to 20 millions. Contributions to tho fund must lie increased after July 4, the men paying 7d. weekly, the State 43d., and employers Bd. Leave to introduce the Bill was granted by 221 votes to 62.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.