HC Deb 16 March 1939 vol 345 cc595-7
61. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the copy of a resolution passed by the Middlesbrough Town Council with regard to the number of old age pensioners on public assistance, and requesting that the pensions be increased to £1 per person or 35s. for a married couple; and what reply he has sent?

Mr. Elliot

I have recently received a copy of the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. It has been acknowledged, and, as the matter is one primarily for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I have forwarded it to him.

Mr. Edwards

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this council is mainly composed of members of his own party, and will he give particular attention to the shabby manner in which these helpless old people are being treated?

Mr. Tinker

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate to the House the reply of his right hon. Friend?

Mr. Elliot

No, Sir. These matters are under the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and his Department is the appropriate Department with which to communicate.

Mr. Thorne

Can the right hon. Gentle-man make the Chancellor of the Exchequer bend between now and Budget day?

Mr. Edwards

My question was put down to the Prime Minister, and it has not been answered by the proper Department.

62. Mr. J. Henderson

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of old age pensions who are also in receipt of public assistance allowances in the city of Manchester at the last convenient date?

Mr. Elliot

On 1st January, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 6,144 old age pensioners in receipt of out-relief in money and kind in the city of Manchester.

66. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in York who are recipients of old age pensions; and the number of such persons who are also in receipt of public assistance committee allowances?

Mr. Elliot

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available, as the records of old age pensioners are not kept on a territorial basis. On 1st January, 1939, there were 439 old age pensioners in York in receipt of out-relief.

Mr. Mander

When is the right hon. Gentleman going to publish the information of a general nature which he is collecting about this subject?

Mr. Elliot

I think there is a question later on the Paper with regard to that matter.

74. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Heath when he will be able to make a statement to the House showing the amount each local authority is paying annually to old age pensioners; and what this sum represents in rates to each authority?

Mr. Elliot

As I announced in the House on 16th February, I am collecting certain particulars from public assistance authorities in regard to old age pensioners whose pensions are being supplemented by poor relief. These particulars have not yet been received in my Department, and I am not at present in a position to say when I shall be able to make a statement.

Mr. Tinker

If I put a question down in a week's time, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a reply?

Mr. Elliot

I think it is improbable that I shall be able to answer in a week's time.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Did not Batley give you a reply last Thursday?