HC Deb 21 July 1936 vol 315 cc260-2
82. Mr. LUNN

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons, number of cases, and weekly cost of Poor Law out-relief for the West Riding of Yorkshire and in the city of Leeds in the first week of April, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1936?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

As the answer contains a number of figures in tabular form I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

— Average number of persons in receipt of out-relief (including dependants). Average weekly cost of out-relief.
York, West Riding. Leeds. York, West Riding. Leeds.
April— £ £
1931 … … … 42,993 11,199 11,246 3,813
1932 … … … 43,431 13,335 11,800 4,239
1933 … … … 44,022 16,794 12,018 5,517
1934 … … … 49,210 19,772 13,414 7,358
1935 … … … 51,873 21,029 16,122 8,029
1936 … … … 52,755 19,854 17,160 7,760

83. Mr. LOGAN

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the decision on the 15th instant of the Liverpool public assistance committee to submit a revised scheme to the Liverpool City Council dealing with applicants for domiciliary relief; that the scheme means the abolition of elected representatives who sit on sub-committees and the substitution of relieving officers to assess relief scales; is he prepared to see that elected representatives shall make initial assessments and control public assistance expenditure; and will he order an inquiry in Liverpool before giving approval to the said scheme?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby).

Mr. LOGAN

Can I take it that it is definite that an inquiry will be held if such procedure is likely to be adopted?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I do not suggest a public inquiry, but the whole matter will come under our review.

Mr. LOGAN

And you will receive representations from the members of the council?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

indicated assent.

Following is the answer:

The returns made to my Department show the cost of out-relief during each month and the figures shown in the statement below are the averages for the various months. Information is not available in regard to the number of cases.