§ SIR THOMAS DEWAR (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to recent 534 statistics in regard to pauperism, which show that while in East London the proportion of pauperism to population is 1 in 39, the figures for Poplar reach 1 in 15, while in the matter of out-relief the proportion in the eastern districts is 1 out of 200, whilst in Poplar the proportion reaches 1 in 25; and, seeing that these figures are attributable to lack of employment last winter, will he state what action he proposes to take before the House adjourns for the holidays with a view to allay the distress in these districts next winter.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I am aware of the recent statistics as to pauperism. According to my information the figures are not quite as stated in the Question, the most important difference being that as regards out relief in the eastern district of London, the proportion of persons relieved to population is 1 to 75, and not 1 to 200. Without admitting that the figures are wholly attributable to the cause referred to by the hon. Member, I may point out that the Government have not given up the hope of passing the Unemployed Workmen Bill now before the House, which is concerned with the difficulty arising from distress due to want of employment.