§ 37. Mr. G. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief on the last available date, giving separate figures for men, women, and children?
§ 38. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on the last available date?
§ 35. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in Wales on the last available date?
Sir H. YOUNGThe total number of persons in receipt of poor relief in England and Wales—including dependants but excluding rate-aided patients in mental hospitals, persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only and casuals—on Saturday, lath October, 1934, was 1,310,668. Of these, 134,854 were chargeable in Wales with Monmouth. The weekly returns from which these figures have been obtained do not distinguish 346 the numbers of men, women and children, but it is estimated that 29 per cent. of the total consisted of men, 35 per cent. of women and 36 per cent. of children.
§ Mr. SMITHCan the Minister say how these figures compare with the figures for the corresponding period of 1931?
Sir H. YOUNGNot from memory, but I shall be very happy indeed to give the hon. Member an answer, if he puts down a question to that effect.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSAre not all the adult males in receipt of Poor Law relief on grounds of unemployment included in the live register of unemployed persons?
§ 40. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to secure the co-operation of Poor Law authorities in not including the first. 20s. of ex-servicemen's wounds or disability pensions when assessing the means of an applicant for relief; whether such steps have proved effective; and, if not, whether he will seek legislative power to secure the right of such allowance?
Sir H. YOUNGI may refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Bill dealing with this question which I introduced yesterday.
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs the Minister aware of the great feeling of satisfaction and gratitude experienced by the ex-servicemen at this step which has been taken to alleviate their sufferings;: and, further will he see that the Measure comes into operation not later than the date on which the Unemployment Act will come into operation?