§ 15. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons who were in receipt of public assistance in Scotland, giving out-door and in-door numbers, respectively, as at 15th June, 1931, and 15th January, 1939?
§ Mr. ColvilleAt 15th June, 1931, the numbers of persons, including dependants, in receipt of out-door and in-door public assistance in Scotland were 173,611 and 12,042 respectively. The corresponding figures for 15th January, 1939, were 230,639 and 10,694.
§ Mr. WestwoodDoes not that prove that there is no real prosperity under the National Government?
§ Mr. ColvilleNo, Sir; there is a variety of factors which account for these increased payments.
§ Mr. LewisIs it the fact that a considerable proportion of these people who are now receiving public assistance in Scotland were originally immigrants from Ireland?
§ Mr. Henderson StewartDoes it not also mean that the treatment offered is better now than it was in the time of the Labour Government?
18. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the nature of the recent representations made to him by Scottish local authorities on the question of local relief paid to ex-service, old age, and widow pensioners; and whether an inquiry is to be held on this question in the near future?
§ Mr. ColvilleA number of Scottish local authorities have represented to me that they should be relieved of the charges which they incur in supplementing old age, widows' and orphans' pensions and have made proposals of a varying character to this end. I have received full particulars from these authorities, and I do not think that any further inquiries are necessary at present.
Mr. DavidsonHas the right hon. Gentleman investigated the reports submitted to him by the local authorities?
§ Mr. ColvilleYes, Sir, I attended a Meeting in Glasgow a short time ago, and thereafter I received a good deal of information from the Glasgow Corporation and other local authorities. I am examining it carefully. It raises a large question of policy on which I cannot make a statement now.
Mr. DavidsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that this policy, which places a burden upon the local authorities, ought to be made a national charge?