HC Deb 13 November 1919 vol 121 cc481-2
9 and 10. Mr. RAPER

asked the Pensions Minister (1) the number of children of widows in Poor Law institutions, and the cost of their maintenance;

(2) the number of widows and their dependent children receiving out-relief under the Poor Law, and the cost of such relief?

The PAYMASTER - GENERAL (Sir Tudor Walters—for Dr. Addison)

I regret that no figures are available as to the number of widows and their dependent children in receipt of relief at the present time, but I am proposing to obtain a return showing the number of such cases on the 1st January next.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the Pensions Minister not aware of the number of children in those circumstances whom the Committee in his Department looks after?

Sir T. WALTERS

I have no information on that point, but if my hon. Friend—

Mr. HOGGE

I asked the right hon. Gentleman.

Sir T. WALTERS

I am in charge of this, and if my hon. Friend will repeat the question I will do my best to dig out all the information I can.

Mr. HOGGE

I fail to understand why the Paymaster-General should be in charge of a question which deals with wives and children under the jurisdiction of the Pensions Ministry?

Sir T. WALTERS

In my present capacity I represent the Ministry of Health. These questions relate to Poor Law institutions, and Poor Law institutions are under the Ministry of Health.

11. Mr. RAPER

asked the Pensions Minister the number of children of widows in industrial and reformatory schools, and the cost of their maintenance?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The present average cost of maintaining a child in these schools is about 18s. a week.

Mr. RAPER

Is it possible to obtain the information? As they have to maintain them, they ought to know the number?

Mr. SHORTT

I will make inquiry.

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