§ 40. Mr. TREVELYANasked the Minister of Health how many persons are in receipt of outdoor relief from the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Guardians who have been disqualified from receiving stare and benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Acts?
§ 42. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health the total number of persons who regularly stay the night in casual wards; and how many of these possess unemployment insurance books?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe average number of persons who were relieved in casual wards in England and Wales on each of the 52 Friday nights in the 12 months ended February, 1926, was approximately 8,320. Information is not available as to the number of men who stay regularly in casual wards or as to the number who possess unemployment insurance books.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill my right hon. Friend request the guardians to obtain information as to those who possess unemployment insurance books?
§ 43. Mr. WILLIAMSalso asked the Minister of Health whether persons seeking relief from the guardians on grounds of unemployment are required to maintain registration at the Unemployment Exchanges?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThere is no regulation on this subject, but it would be proper and usual that boards of guardians who are granting relief on the ground of unemployment should expect the men relieved to endeavour to secure employment through registration at the Employment Exchanges and in other ways which may be open to them.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill my right hon. Friend say whether it is in fact the practice of some guardians to require those who obtain relief to register?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIf an applicant, for relief can prove to the guardians that he is endeavouring to seek work, will he be entitled to unemployment pay?
§ 48. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if lie is aware that the West Ham Board of Guardians have asked for permission to pay the rent of several persons who were in receipt of Poor Law relief during the emergency period when relief was administered under the Ministers direction, but who were unable to pay their rent; if he is aware of the following cases of hardship: W. R., wife and one child dependent, rent 4s. 6d., no rent paid during emergency period, and not in receipt of relief since 27th November. 1925; G. M. 587 and wife, rent 7s., one child earns 10s., rent paid out of child's earnings; W. R. and wife, no dependent children, rent 8s., only income National Health Insurance 8s. 6d., pledged bed-linen to pay rent; J. B. and wife, no dependent children, rent 7s. 9d., only income National Health Insurance 8s. 6d.; C. D., age 39 years, wife and four dependent children, rent 9s. 9d., ineligible, as son earns 16s.; and whether, in view of the circumstances, he will take action in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received from the clerk to the guardians a letter referring to the five cases mentioned in the question. I have already agreed to the guardians exercising a considerable discretion in dealing with arrears of rent accrued during the period in question, and I am afraid that I cannot undertake to go further in the matter.