55. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there are more persons in receipt of ordinary outdoor relief in the administrative county of Durham than in the combined areas of Newcastle, Northumberland, Tynemouth, and the county boroughs of Durham, and that the poor rate is a serious burden to the county, being more than three times that of the average for this country; and will he at an early date introduce a scheme with a view of helping to make this public assistance rate in the county comparable to that for the rest of the country?
§ Sir K. WoodThe statistical comparisons made in the first two parts of the question are accurate. The hon. Member will, however, be aware that considerable weight is given to variations of local needs and resources in the distribution of the block grants paid by the Exchequer, and I may mention that the total amount payable by way of block grant to the local authorities in the administrative county of Durham in respect of the year 1938–39 is estimated to be equivalent to a rate of about 10s. 5d. As a result of the recent changes made in connection with the block grant, which were fully discussed in the House, local authorities in the county as a whole gained the equivalent of a rate of 1s. 5d., and I am unable to make provision for any further increase.
Mr. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the poor rate in Durham is 10s. 5d. in the £, a figure which is borne very heavily by the small traders and townspeople, and will he try to do something more than has been done to help them so as to bring their poor rate to a figure comparable to that of the rest of the country?
§ Sir K. WoodI am afraid that I cannot add anything to my reply.