§ 45. Mr. STANTONasked the Prime Minister if he will consider the desirability of the adoption of some scheme of mothers' pensions; and if he is aware that in the United States of America thirty-five States concede adequate mothers' pensions; that three provinces out of the nine in Canada pay mothers' pensions; that New Zealand allows £30 per year for the widow with children, under the 1913 Act; and that Queensland. Australia, allows l5s. per week for all widows and from 8s. to 10s. per week for each child?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)I can only refer to the reply given on the 13th instant to a similar question put by the hon. Member for East Islington, and to the reply to the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for South Tottenham on the 5th instant, to the effect that the Government does not feel able to undertake legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to recommend to the Government that the whole question of the endowment of motherhood should be reviewed by the Government in connection with the Insurance Act?
§ Mr. SWANDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be more economical, in view of the cost of maintaining the children, to carry out the measure suggested by the hon. Member than to allow them to go into the workhouse?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat may be so, but the question is addressed to the subject of mothers' pensions.
§ Mr. SWANI am suggesting that as an alternative. Would it not be wiser and more economical to give the pensions than to allow them to go into the workhouse at double the cost?
§ Dr. ADDISONThese pensions are proposed for the mothers. The hon. Member is referring to the children.