§ 20. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief is 15 per 1,000 more in Scotland than in England; if he has made any inquiry into the causes of the growing disparity between the figures for the two countries; and will he state his conclusions?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware that in recent years the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief per 1,000 of the population has been higher in Scotland than in England. The Scottish Board of Health have been investigating the matter, but the inquiries are not yet completed, and I am not at present in a position to state any conclusions.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the fact that this subject has given rise to grave apprehensions in Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the setting up of a public inquiry to ascertain the causes of this disparity?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. Until I have received the report of my Department, I cannot form any judgment.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the right hon. Gentleman publish as a White Paper the result of that inquiry when he has received it?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not, aware in what form the report may be made. If the hon. Member will put down a further question, I will consider it.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHas the right hon. Gentleman any idea when I may put down a further question on the subject when he has received the report?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not in a position to say now, but I will communicate with the hon. Gentleman.