§ 33. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health the number of persons, exclusive of dependants, insured under the Unemployment Insurance Act, who were in receipt of Poor Law relief at the end of September, 1927, and, for comparison, the numbers at the end of the June and March quarters; and whether these persons were required to sign the register at the Employment Exchanges?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe average number of unemployed persons whose unemployment books had been lodged at the Employment Exchanges and who were in receipt of outdoor Poor Law relief in England and Wales in September, 1927, was 99,556, including 97,085 men and 2,471 women. The corresponding figure for March, 1927, was 118,487 (115,261 men and 3,226 women), and for June, 1927, 104,679 (101,986 men and 2,693 women). No figures in respect of insured persons in receipt of institutional Poor Law relief are available. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to his question on 24th November, regarding persons in receipt of out-door relief.
54. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that 21 out of 26 men receiving outdoor relief who were chosen by the Bermondsey Guardians to learn farming refused to go; what are the ages of these men and the amount of relief which they are re- 692 ceiving weekly; whether any of them are in receipt of unemployment benefit; and whether men who refuse an offer of this kind continue to receive public relief?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have no information upon the subject of this question, but I will make inquiries and communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.