§ 28. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Health if he can state the number of miners, in the county of Durham, who have applied for Poor Law relief during the last two years owing to their unemployment benefit being stopped?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend regrets that this information is not available.
§ Mr. BATEYIs it not possible to ask for the information? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of these boards of guardians have passed resolutions complaining of the miners having been cut off unemployed benefit and come on to the Poor Law, and would it hot be possible to get the numbers?
§ Sir K. WOODNo. I do not think so.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the occupation of each applicant is placed upon the paper, and if the figures are sought for they can be obtained?
§ Sir K. WOODNot that I am aware.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it, not a fact that the hon. Gentleman has only to ask the boards of guardians for the figures and they will gladly give them?
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the hon. Gentleman ask the boards of guardians if they can give the information asked for?
§ Mr. MAXTONMay I direct your attention, Sir, to the studied offensiveness of the Minister?
§ Mr. BATEYMay I complain of the answer for this reason, that last week the Scottish Office gave this information? If they could do it, why cannot we have it?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should argue the matter on another occasion.