HC Deb 20 January 1913 vol 47 cc26-8
43. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can give the figures showing the number of ordinary indoor and out door paupers in London for the years 1900, 1901, 1911, and 1912, respectively; will he also give the percentage of the growth of population in London from 1900–12; and can he offer any explanation how it is that, in spite of the public moneys expended on emigration, old age pensions, feeding of school children, distress committees, and Labour Exchanges since 1900, the volume and cost of London pauperism has so largely increased?

Mr. BURNS

I am sending the hon. Member a statement of the figures he requires, and will circulate the answer with the Votes.—[See Written Answers this date.]

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of the answer he is kindly circulating with the Votes, he still adheres to his statement that both the cost and volume of emigration in London is decreasing?

Mr. BURNS

I see no relevancy in the question to the question on the Paper. When the hon. Member sees my answer he will find it more than sufficient for the purpose he desires.

44. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked how the Poor Law expenditure for the year 1912 compares with that of 1911; and whether, in cases where the cost of relief has been reduced, all other items, including indoor maintenance, are higher?

Mr. BURNS

The Poor Law expenditure of England and Wales shows a reduction for the year ended March, 1912, as compared with the year ended March, 1911, of approximately £600,000. The reduction in the amount of out-relief administered was £770,000, and it was accompanied by some reduction, taking the country as a whole, in the cost of maintenance of the indoor poor and in some other items. There were, however, increases in items of buildings, salaries, and superannuation allowances of officers and servants, and lunatics in asylums.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to understand that the entire cost is less?

Mr. BURNS

The cost of indoor paupers is £11,000 less, and of outdoor paupers £770,000. Lunatics have gone up in cost by £38,000, and the net difference therefore is about £600,000.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Less or more?

Mr. BURNS

Less.