HC Deb 09 February 1939 vol 343 c1115
40. Mr. R. G. Taylor

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons who were in receipt of public assistance in England and Wales, giving outdoor and indoor numbers, respectively, as at July, 1931, and January, 1939?

Mr. Elliot

On Saturday, 21st January, 1939, there were in England and Wales 151,503 persons in receipt of institutional relief and 933,769 persons in receipt of domiciliary relief, making a total of 1,085,272. The corresponding figures for Saturday, 18th July, 193r, were 193,929, 778,101 and 972,030. These figures exclude rate-aided patients in mental hospitals, persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only and casuals.

Mr. Taylor

Will the right hon. Gentleman put this to the credit side when claiming what has been done by the National Government?

Mr. Elliot

The provision made for the poor in this country is a very creditable thing.