§ 60. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Health what reply he is making to representations from ratepayers' associations and meetings, as for instance from the Frome Division, protesting against the inadequacy of the Government payment of 4s. per head weekly for the maintenance of inmates in county asylums, seeing the great increase in the cost of maintenance and the unfair burden thus thrown upon the rates?
§ Sir A. MONDThe amount of this grant was based on the estimated difference between the cost of maintenance in workhouses and in asylums, respectively, and while it is true that the cost of maintenance in an asylum has increased since the grant was fixed, it is equally true that the cost of maintenance in a workhouse has also increased. It has been repeatedly stated, in replies to questions put in this House, that no revision of the grant can be undertaken at the present time.