§ 37. Mr. J. MORRISasked the Minister of Health the total public assistance expenditure of all local authorities in England and Wales, including all expenditure on transferred Poor Law services, for the last available year?
Sir H. YOUNGThe total expenditure under the Poor Law Acts in the year ending the 31st March, 1931, was £38,561,000 on revenue account and £798,000 on capital account.
§ Mr. MORRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an average rate poundage of approximately 3s. 3d. levied over the whole of England and Wales would cover the entire cost of public assistance? That being so, does he not think that equalisation of this kind—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is giving information.
§ 38. Mr. MORRISasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the large increase in expenditure for public assistance in England and Wales, particularly in industrial areas, he is prepared to introduce immediately legislation for the purpose of equalising the burden over the whole country?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. The issues raised by the question are receiving consideration by the Government in connection with the report of the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance.
§ Mr. MORRISHas the right hon. Gentleman given consideration to the scheme formulated by the Mayor of Salford, a copy of which was sent to him by the Salford Corporation?
§ Mr. MORRISOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.
§ 44. Mr. BATEY (for Mr. E. WILLIAMS)asked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that 14.1 per cent. of the inhabitants of Lincoln are in receipt of public assistance, what special steps, if any, are being taken to deal with the situation in that city?
Sir H. YOUNGThe figure quoted by the hon. Member relates to the 31st December, 1932. The corresponding figure for the 25th February, 1933 (the latest available), is 8.2, and I understand that special steps are being taken by the council to review the situation in respect of public assistance administration.