§ 2. Major Bruceasked the Minister of National Insurance what was the average number of people drawing basic public assistance in Great Britain for the years 1919–23, 1935–39 and 1945–49. respectively.
§ 7. Squadron-Leader Flemingasked the Minister of National Insurance how many non-contributory old age pensioners are receiving additional financial help from the Public Assistance Board in the Manchester City area.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI am having prepared such information as is available and will write to the hon. Members as soon as possible.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIn view of the fact that there are a considerable number of old age pensioners on the contributory list who are compelled at present to go to public assistance, would the right hon. Gentleman consider some means of increasing the basic pension so that they will not be forced to do so?
§ Mr. GriffithsThat is another question.
§ Mr. Quintin HoggCan the right hon. Gentleman indicate when it is that he is likely to have this rather important information available, and in what form he proposes to publish it?
§ Mr. GriffithsOne hon. Member asked me for some figures a fortnight ago and he has had them well over a week ago. We are preparing these figures now. If any hon. Member would like to have them circulated, perhaps he would put a Question down and I will have them circulated.
§ Mr. H. HyndWould my right hon. Friend publish them in the OFFICIAL REPORT as a result of these Questions?
§ Mr. GriffithsIf the hon. Members who asked the Questions desire that, certainly I will do so.