HC Deb 08 September 1909 vol 10 cc1292-3
Mr. FELL

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that the amounts spent on the maintenance of paupers in the month of July was greater than in the preceding July or in any July in recent years; and if he can give any reason for the increase, having regard to the sum now being distributed in old age pensions?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

I am not aware of the amount actually expended on the maintenance of paupers in July, but there was some slight increase in the number of persons relieved in that month over that for the corresponding period in 1908. The ratio of paupers to population remained, however, substantially the same. The increase occurred largely in certain of the Northern districts of England, where there has been some slackness in employment.

Mr. FELL

Does the right hon. Gentlemen anticipate that the pensions will have any effect upon the pauperism of the country?

Mr. BURNS

It is rather early to state what the effect of the pensions will be on the normal increase of pauperism, but as soon as it can be ascertained I shall be informed of it.

Mr. REMNANT

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by the normal increase of pauperism?

Mr. BURNS

What would ordinarily occur in the absence of pensions.