§ Mr. MORTONasked the Lord Advocate whether he can say what effect the granting of old age pensions has had on the poor rate of Scotland?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)In answer to my hon. Friend's question, I would refer him to the answers given to the hon. Member for West Carmarthenshire on 14th February, and to the hon. Member for North Salford on 27th February of this year. As stated in the latter of these answers, the annual saving to the poor rates in Scotland due to the removal of the pauper disqualification for old age pensions is estimated to be about £83,000. 1908 Data are not as yet available for accurate calculation of the total effect of the grant of old age pensions on the poor rates in Scotland.
§ Mr. MORTONWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake, when the data are available, to communicate the reply?
§ Mr. MORTONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can say what effect the granting of old age pensions has had on the poor rate of Ireland?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Redmond Barry)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to the similar question of the hon. Member for East Clare on 14th instant.