HC Deb 23 February 1927 vol 202 cc1759-60
58. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that from February, 1925, to January, 1927, the Sheffield Board of Guardians have been compelled to expend £241,500 on Poor Law relief to men who were on the local unemployment exchange register but have been placed out of benefit; and, in view of this burden on the rates, and consequently upon the productive costs of Sheffield industry, what steps the Government propose to take to bring some relief to Sheffield in the matter?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend has received representations from this board of guardians complaining of the amount expended in outdoor relief to persons no longer receiving benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend has made, and is continuing to make, very considerable advances on the recommendations of the Goschen Committee for the assistance of the guardians.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Now that the Government are giving a grant to Scotland, will they make a direct grant to English Poor Law guardians?