59. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount paid in Poor Law relief in Scotland for the years ended January, 1935, and 1938, respectively?
§ Mr. ElliotThe total cost of poor relief in Scotland for the year ended on 15th May, 1937, the latest year for which figures are available, was £6,693,237 and the total for the year ended on 15th May, 1935, was £6,563,337. Against these sums there falls to be offset grant under the Unemployment Assistance (Temporary Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1934, which was payable in respect of the period from 1st March, 1935, to 31st March, 1937. This grant amounted to £390,100 in 1934–35 and to £1,381,058 in 1936–37.
Mr. DavidsonIs the Minister aware that, even taking into consideration the grant which was made to these authorities. Poor Law relief has increased by millions of pounds in Scotland since 1931; and may I ask whether there is any method in his Department whereby previously registered unemployed who are now obtaining Poor Law relief can be submitted with this figure in order to show the true position in Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotThe hon. Gentleman put down a question relating to 1935 and 1938. If he wishes the figures for 1931, perhaps he will put down that question, too.
Mr. DavidsonI was asking the Minister whether he was aware that both 1935 and 1938 show considerable increases over the figures of 1931, and whether he has any method whereby he can show the number of registered unemployed year by year who are put on to Poor Law relief, because it is the opinion of many people that the increase is due to the transfer of registered unemployed?
§ Mr. ElliotI think the hon. Gentleman ought to put those questions down.