HC Deb 09 July 1931 vol 254 cc2264-5
49. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons who are in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The total number of persons in receipt of poor relief in England and Wales, excluding rate-aided patients in mental hospitals, casuals and persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only, on Saturday, 6th June, 1931, was 992,450.

52. Mr. E. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Glamorganshire Public Assistance Committee that Poor Law should be made a national charge; and what action he proposes to lighten the burden of depressed areas?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, the situation is of course being carefully watched, but I am unable to make any statement as to further action by the Government in regard to depressed areas.