63. Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the costs of maintaining persons in the poorhouses of Scotland vary from 4s. 10½d. per week to 17s. ¼d. per week; 294 that the allowance for all necessities, excepting clothing and fuel and light, at one institution in Dunoon amounts to less than 6d. per day; and whether he is satisfied that the allowance for food is adequate?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am aware of the figures quoted. The discrepancy is largely explained by reference to the circumstances of the two institutions to which they relate, which belong to the same local authority, and by the accounting methods adopted. I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a detailed explanation of the position.
Mr. JohnstonWill the right hon. Gentleman provide, in future years, an alternative statistical basis for these tables, as they convey very little as they stand?
§ Mr. ColvilleIf the right hon. Gentleman will read my letter he will see the way in which the figures come out. I shall be glad to discuss any possible alteration, if he so wishes.