HC Deb 07 November 1933 vol 281 cc21-2
35. Mr. LUNN

asked the Minister of Health the total number of persons receiving out-relief in September, 1931, and at the latest possible date?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

The total number of persons (men, women and children) in receipt of out-relief in England and Wales (excluding persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only) on Saturday, 26th September, 1931, was 786,771. The corresponding number on Saturday, 21st October, 1933, was 1,106,871.

Mr. LUNN

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if we may with reason add those numbers to the total number of the unemployed, as we now have them?

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is it not a fact that every person on the register of the public assistance authorities who is in fact an insured unemployed person, is also included on the live register of the Employment Exchanges? [HON. MEMBERS: "No"]

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

That is not the fact.