§ MR. PIKE PEASE (Darlington)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the estimated total number of able-bodied paupers and casuals in the United Kingdom in health, and sick or temporarily disabled, but excluding not able-bodied or infirm, on the 1st January, 1907.
§ (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I am only concerned in this matter with England and Wales. So far as regards Scotland and Ireland the subject is one for the Secretary for Scotland and the Chief Secretary for Ireland. As regards England and Wales, the Returns of pauperism on 1st January last are now coming in, but I am not at present in a position to give any estimate of the kind desired. The latest particulars available are those contained in the Parliamentary Papers relating to Returns of Pauperism on 1st January, 1906, and 1st July, 1906, respectively (H.C. Paper 272, Session 1906, pp. 9 and 10, and H.C. Paper 272 820 (I), p. 7). Particulars for 1st January last similar to those in the Return for 1st January, 1906, will be published in due course.