HC Deb 25 November 1931 vol 260 cc397-8
38. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children are boarded out in Scotland; and what is the average weekly cost of each child?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)

At 31st December, 1930, a total of 7,150 children were boarded-out by Poor Law authorities in 'Scotland and the average weekly cost of maintenance during the year ended the same day was 8s. 4¾. per child. The total includes 6,185 who are boarded with guardians and 965 who are inmates of institutions, such as children's homes and orphanages.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Has it not dawned on the Under-Secretary that, if it costs 8s. 4¾d. to maintain a child, they should give more than 2s. to the parent who maintains a child when the parent is unemployed?

Mr. SKELTON

I am sure the hon. Member will realise that it is in the hands of the public assistance authorities to say what scale of maintenance shall be given. I am sure he is also well aware that the Secretary of State has no power to issue general regulations which would control the public assistance authorities in such a matter.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I did not say the Secretary of State. I am drawing the attention of the House to the fact that it costs 8s.—

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.