HC Deb 06 February 1913 vol 48 c25
52. Captain CLIVE

asked the Prime Minister if he will give the figures on which he based the estimate in his speech at Leven that with the grant of old age pensions outdoor pauperism has been concurrently reduced by no less than 94 per cent.?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

My right hon. Friend was referring in his speech, as I think is clear from the context, to the effect of old age pensions on outdoor pauperism amongst the aged in England and Wales. As compared with 1906, the number of outdoor paupers over seventy in 1912 showed a decrease, as he stated, of 94 per cent. The actual figures are 168,096 in 1906, and 9,530 in 1912.

Captain CLIVE

Does the right. hon. Gentleman suggest that the words used by the Prime Minister, which are quoted in my question, referred only to old age outdoor pauperism?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly. I cannot see what other purpose he could have had in making the reference to old age pensions.