HC Deb 26 February 1924 vol 170 cc291-2W
Mr. F. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of old age pensioners now in receipt of Poor Law relief?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The latest date for which figures are available is the 1st January, 1923. On that date 30,602 old age pensioners were receiving Poor Law relief in England and Wales. Of this number 6,539 were in receipt of medical relief only.

Mr. COMYNS-CARR

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is a prepared to introduce legislation to extend to persons who are so deaf as to be unable to perform any work in which hearing is essential the advantage of receiving the old age pension at the age of 50, which by Section 1 of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, was conferred upon the blind in similar circumstances?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I have great sympathy with the position of these afflicted persons, but I am unable to hold out any prospect of our being able to provide for them in the manner suggested. It must not be overlooked that there are other disabilities in respect of which a similar claim could be put forward.