§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Health whether he can state the estimated population of Rhondda for the years 1921 and 1938, respectively, giving also the rates levied and the total amount collected, showing separately the amount due to poor rate or public assistance for each of the years mentioned?
§ Mr. ElliotThe estimated population of Rhondda at mid–1921 was 166,600 and at mid–1938 121,940. The rate pound-1506W age (poor and general district rate) levied in the area for the year 1921–22 amounted to 26s. 6d. while the general rate for 1938–39 was 25s. 6d. The estimated rate incomes for the two periods were £ 672,792 and £421,736, respectively. Owing to changes in local government the figures are not readily comparable, but in 1921–22 9s. 4⅜d. of the above rate poundage was to meet the expenses of the Poor Law Guardians of Pontypridd Union (including vaccination, valuation, registration of births, deaths and marriages, and other expenses) while in 1938–39 the precept of the county council in respect of public assistance entailed a gross poundage of 10s. 4d. The latter figure takes no account of the block grant, which is applicable in relief of local government services generally. The block grant payable to the county council was equal to a rate relief of 9s. and the grant paid to the district council was equal to a further rate relief of 4s. 5d.