§ 77. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health whether he can give comparative statistics of the numbers of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief, and of the cost of such relief as a result of the disputes in the coal mining industry which took place in the years 1893, 1898, 1921 and 1926?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ It is estimated that in the course of the four disputes mentioned the following increases occurred in the numbers of persons in receipt of domiciliary relief and in the cost of such relief. It is impossible to state definitely that these increases were entirely due to the disputes or that they indicate the whole effect of the disputes upon pauperism.
§ is aware that the Morpeth Board of Guardians last week suspended the distribution of out-relief, and that there is serious hardship in Ashington, the largest mining centre in Northumberland; and whether he will press the Morpeth Guardians to continue the payment of out-relief?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware that these guardians resolved that relief required by miners' families should ordinarily be afforded in an institution, but he is informed that this resolution has been rescinded by them and did not come into operation.
§ Mr. DUNCANWould the same decision apply to other boards of 853 guardians who have come to a similar decision?
§ Sir K. WOODObviously, I must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. A. GREENWOOD(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether the Lichfield Board of Guardians have suspended the payment of relief to miners' wives and children, and, if so, what provision is being made by the board to relieve destitution in its area; and whether he is satisfied that the board is adequately fulfilling its statutory duties?
§ Sir K. WOODThe Lichfield Guardiane have decided that relief required by miners' families shall ordinarily be afforded in an institution. My right hon. Friend has no information which would lead him to suppose that the guardians are not fulfilling their statutory duties.
§ Mr. GREENWOODDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the Lichfield Board of Guardians has sufficient indoor accommodation for all the applicants who were previously receiving outdoor relief?
§ Sir K. WOODI have no knowledge of that. We understand that they have fulfilled the duties imposed upon them by Statute.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that it is more expensive to keep them inside than to supply the relief outside?
§ Mr. GREENWOODWill the hon. Gentleman make inquiries whether the opportunities for relief are adequate to the needs of the area?
§ Sir K. WOODIf the hon. Gentleman will give me any case where the duties of the guardians have not been properly fulfilled, I will inquire into it.