HC Deb 06 March 1939 vol 344 cc1750-1
55. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Health the number of dependants of all serving ranks of His Majesty's Forces who have been compelled to seek Poor Law relief?

Mr. Bernays

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.

Mr. Davies

Could not the hon. Member send out a circular to the local authorities where the information is available? He would be able to answer the question in the near future?

Mr. Bernays

I will consult my right hon. Friend on the matter, but he is very reluctant to put further pressure of work on local authorities.

Mr. Logan

Does the hon. Member not think it a scandal, and ought he not to be able to give the information, seeing that the dependants of men who are dead have to look for Poor Law relief, and that the dependants of men who are serving in the Army have also to go for relief?

56. Mr. Davies

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now prepared to make provisions for the reimbursement of local authorities of the additional cost imposed by the payment of Poor Law relief to the dependants of those serving in His Majesty's forces, seeing that the latter are in full employment?

Mr. Bernays

The answer is, No, Sir.

Mr. Davies

Will the hon. Member make representations to the Secretary of State for War and the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view of getting this scandal removed from the armed forces, and that men in full employment shall be able to get sufficient to keep their dependants?

Mr. Garro Jones

What influence does the hon. Member think is wielded by these people on recruiting for the Navy and other Services in the North and in Scotland.