§ 51. Mr. JOHN BECKETTasked the Minister of Health what is the total amount spent on the relief of distress in Gateshead by the board of guardians since the Armistice?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINFrom the date of the Armistice of the 31st March, 1924, the guardians of the Gateshead Union had expended in all on the relief of the poor in the Union £859,392. Figures as to the expenditure since 31st March, 1924, are not yet available, but the information in my possession suggests that there has been a large reduction since that date in the yearly rate of expenditure.
§ Mr.BECKETTConsidering the enormous amount spent. on relief and the condition of the town, could not the right hon. Gentleman empower guardians to use the money in productive works?