§ 85. Mr. RAPERasked the Ministry of Health how many children are in industrial schools; how many in orphan homes, such as Dr. Barnardo's, Waifs and Strays, etc.; the number of children and widows in Poor Law institutions; the number of widows, with dependent children, on out relief; and the total cost of Poor Law relief per week at present being given to widows and their children?
§ Major ASTORAs the answer is somewhat lengthy I will have it circulated in the Official Report.
§ The following is the statement referred to:
§ I am informed by the Secretary of State that the number of children in certified industrial schools in England and Wales on the 31st March, 1919, was 13,209. Information is not available as to the total number of children in orphan homes. As was stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Newport on 29th May last, the number of children in England and Wales in receipt of indoor relief on 28th December, 1918, was 59,761, and the number in receipt of outdoor relief was 124,801. The return for 1st January, 1914, is the latest in which separate particulars are given as to widows with children in receipt of relief, as detailed returns were suspended during the War. On the date named there were 47,774 widows relieved with their children, nearly all being cases of out-relief. The returns in my possession do not show the cost of relief to widows with children as distinct from relief given to other classes.