HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 cc494-5
22. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Health the number of old age pensioners in York and Rotherham, respectively, who were also in receipt of public assistance relief on the last day of September, 1939; and the figures of same for the country as a whole?

Mr. Elliot

I regret that figures are not available for the day mentioned. According to a special return made to my Department the number of old age pensioners in receipt of poor relief during the week ended nth March, 1939, in the city of York was 602 and in the county borough of Rotherham, 994. The corresponding figure for England and Wales was 265,493.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister recommend to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that these old age pensioners be taken off relief by giving them an increased pension?

Mr. Tinker

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the percentage of the whole?

Mr. Elliot

A round 10 per cent.