HC Deb 26 February 1931 vol 248 cc2274-6
68. Mr. MUGGERIDGE

asked the Minister of Health the number of applicants refused out-door relief in Bethnal Green in December, 1928 and 1930, respectively?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I regret that this information could not be obtained without special research into all the applications for relief made during the periods in question. Moreover, Bethnal Green no longer constitutes a separate area for relief purposes, and it is doubtful whether comparable figures could be obtained which would justify the time and labour involved.

Mr. BECKETT

Would it be possible to obtain figures as to the number of people in institutions in that area?

Mr. GREENWOOD

It would be possible to give such figures, but since the alteration of the Poor Law authority areas, it is very difficult to give comparable figures.

70. Mr. COCKS

asked the Minister of Health if he will state what relief the public assistance committees of the London County Council give to a single destitute woman?

73. Mr. BECKETT

asked the Minister of Health what is the scale of assistance paid to a man and wife with two children by the public assistance committees of the London County Council?

75. Mr. HORRABIN

asked the Minister of Health what assistance is given to a destitute single man by the public assistance committees of the London County Council?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I am advised that the council has not laid down any scales of relief, the amount of relief in each case depending on the individual needs of the applicant's household.

Mr. BECKETT

Has any complaint been received as to the amount of relief which is being paid; and has the right hon. Gentleman had any communication with the London County Council on the subject?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Yes, representations have been made, and there have been comunications between the county council and myself, but I may point out to the hon. Member that, by law, I am precluded from dealing with individual cases.

Mr. BECKETT

Can my right hon. Friend say whether his representations have had anything to do with the amount of relief which is being paid?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I think that such representations as have been made to the London County Council have resulted in an improvement of the general conditions.

74. Mr. BECKETT

asked the Minister of Health the number of applicants refused out-door relief by the public assistance committee dealing with Peckham in December, 1930, and the number refused by the old board of guardians in December, 1928?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I regret that this information could not be obtained without special research into all the applications for relief made during the periods in question. Moreover, I understand that Peckham is not and has never been a separate unit for relief purposes and it is doubtful whether comparable figures could be obtained which would justify the time and labour involved.

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