§ 27. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Mrs. Smyth, of 4, Granton Street, Glasgow, a widow with two children, was granted a pension of 18s. weekly; that the Glasgow Public Assistance Committee have granted her a further 9s. 6d.; that the rent for her house, payable to the Glasgow Corporation, is 10s. 9d. weekly; that after paying rent and allowing for heat and light she is left with about lls. 6d. to keep the children and herself; that she has appealed to the Department of Health against the amount allowed; whether he can state the decision; and whether he will see that this woman is allowed enough to keep herself and her two children?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have made inquiries and am informed that Mrs. Smyth's income for herself and her two children is 27s. 6d., as stated in the question, and that her rent is at the rate of 10s. per week. Mrs. Smyth's complaint to the Department of Health for Scotland has been investigated by an inspector of the Department, who has ascertained that the Glasgow Public Assistance Department, in addition to granting relief of 9s. 6d. in cash, have during the current year issued clothing for Mrs. Smyth and her two children. Free meals are also available to the children at school if they so desire. Mrs. Smyth is anxious to obtain work, and I understand that through the intervention of the Glasgow public assistance officials she has been offered temporary employment for one week at a wage of 24s., and that it is hoped that further employment for her will be available. On consideration of all the circumstances the Department have come to the conclusion that any further action by them on Mrs. Smyth's complaint is unnecessary.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWho decided this case at the Department of Health; and will a copy of Sir John Orr's book on 1821 underfeeding be supplied to the Department of Health and to the local authority and the Glasgow Labour party who decided this matter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe decision was come to by the Department. As for the book to which the hon. Member refers, I have a copy of it here, and I am sure it is in the possession of the Department in question.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that no woman can feed two children and pay this rent of 10s. a week, as well as other charges, out of 27s. 6d. a week; and will he see that these children are properly fed and decently nourished?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid it would not be possible to continue the discussion across the Floor of the House. The matter has been considered by the Department in question, and I do not think we can pursue it further now.