HC Deb 29 May 1935 vol 302 cc1131-2
Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in Eng land and Wales in receipt of outdoor relief at the end of March and April,1935?

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

The number of persons in receipt of outdoor relief in England and Wales(including dependants, but excluding persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only) on the last Saturday in April,1935, was 1,167,091. The corresponding figure in March, 1935,was 1,173,895.

Mr. SMITH

asked the Minister of Health the number of unemployed persons and their dependants in England an Wales in receipt of outdoor relief at the end of March and April, 1935?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The precise in formation asked for by the hon. Member is not available. The average number, however, of persons in receipt of out relief in England and Wales who were unemployed and registered at Employment Exchanges was 123,804 (with 222,283 dependants) in April, 1935. The corresponding figures inMarch1935, were 130,329 and 236,861. Figures are not available of the number of unemployed persons in receipt of out relief who are not registered at Employment Exchanges but it is estimated that the number (excluding dependants) is under10,000.

Mr. LAWSON

May I ask how it is that the Department have not a. complete list of the figures for these unemployed?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Thefigures are not kept right up-to-date. The hon. Member must allow us time to get them in.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any explanation why the figures for these persons have continually increased?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

It must be be cause of a more generous interpretation of the regulations by the National Government.