§ 80. Mr. H. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Health whether he can furnish an estimate of the present number of occupied persons in England and Wales; and what increase this represents as compared with the number at the census of 1911?
§ Mr. ElliotAs the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The latest available figures of the occupied population are those of the 1931 Census. These figures and their comparative increase over the corresponding figures for 1911 are as follow:
§ Mr. ElliotI have received the resolution, and in reply I have referred the town council to the statement made on behalf of the Government by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary on 1st February last, in the course of the Debate on the matter in this House.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the items is the relief given to old age pensioners? Cannot the Government think about accepting that responsibility or about increasing the present amount so that these people will not have to go for public assistance?