§ 30. Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Health if he can state the number of destitute children maintained by local authorities and by the public assistance authorities, respectively, and what measure of official inspection exists in each case.
§ Mr. WillinkThe total number of children in receipt of relief, including outdoor relief, on 1st January, 1939 (which is the latest date for which figures are available) was 293,510. I regret that it is not possible to state how many of these were maintained by the education committees, acting on behalf of the public assistance committees of county and county borough councils, but it would be only a small proportion. In respect of all these children there is a system of inspection, mainly by women inspectors of my Department, which should ensure at least annual visits to Children's Homes and test visits to the home of children boarded out or otherwise relieved.
§ Mr. Wootton-DaviesIs the Minister taking steps to keep his information up to date?
§ Mr. WillinkWhile I am taking steps it is impossible to keep all statistical information up to date in present circumstances.