§ 71. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Health what was the amount of public assistance paid, respectively, to old age pensioners, widow pensioners, and men receiving war pensions, in the United Kingdom during the last 12 months?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)I regret that the information asked for is not available for England and Wales, as the returns received in my Department do not distinguish the cost of relief to the categories of persons mentioned. As regards Scotland and Northern Ireland, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Home Affairs.
§ Mr. George GriffithsIf local authorities are able to give these figures, why cannot the Minister give them?
§ 73. Mr. R. Gibson (for Mr. Kelly)asked the Minister of Health the number of old age pensioners in Rochdale who were on public assistance in January, 1939, also the number in the country who were in receipt of relief from public assistance in January, 1939?
§ Mr. ElliotOn 1st January, 1939, there were 668 old age pensioners in the county borough of Rochdale who were in receipt of poor relief. The corresponding figure for England and Wales is not at present available, as the relevant returns have not yet been received from all the local authorities.