§ 35. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost of public assistance given to old age pensioners in the Greenock area during 1937 and 1938, respectively; and what is the present number of such old age pensioners?
§ Mr. ColvilleI regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not at present available. With regard to the second part, Greenock Town Council inform me that the number of old age pensioners who received public assistance during the week ended nth March, 1939, was 749.
§ Mr. GibsonIs not this a very high proportion in relation to the population, and does not the expenditure on this matter weigh very heavy on the municipality; and will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking the necessary steps to spread the burden over the whole country?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe hon. and learned Gentleman is now raising a much larger question.
§ Mr. GallacherIs not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give some real consideration to this question, in view of the- demand that has been made in all parts of the country for justice in this matter?