HC Deb 16 May 1927 vol 206 cc893-4
28. Mr. BATEY

asked 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. WOOD

My right hon. Friend regrets that this information is not available.

Mr. BATEY

Is 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. WOOD

No. I do not think so.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is 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. WOOD

Not that I am aware.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is 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. STEPHEN

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the boards of guardians if they can give the information asked for?

Mr. MAXTON

May I direct your attention, Sir, to the studied offensiveness of the Minister?

Mr. BATEY

May 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. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should argue the matter on another occasion.

Mr. BATEY

What is the use of arguing with the Minister?