§ 56. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 264,066 old age pensioners in Scotland at 1st January, 1937, and of the 37,020 old age pensioners in Scotland who, at 15th May, 1936, were in receipt of poor relief, were resident in Greenock; and whether, in view of the large percentage of old age pensioners having to submit themselves to the public assistance authorities, he will take the necessary steps to make the amount of the old age pension adequate?
The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Wedderburn)Approximately 3,500 old age pensioners were resident in Greenock at 1st January, 1937. The number of old age pensioners in Greenock who were in receipt of public assistance at 15th May, 1936, was 719. I have no statement to make in regard to the last part of the question.
§ Mr. GibsonHas the Department considered the loss arising out of these double 1778 applications, and how much that is gained on the swings may be lost on the roundabouts?