§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that 298,666 of the Scottish people are living on the lowest possible standards; and what steps is he taking to raise these standards?
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§ Mr. E. BrownThe figure quoted is the total of those citizens receiving poor relief from local authorities in Scotland (including dependants) and those registered as unemployed on 15th July. Those figures overlap in some respects and include those receiving only outdoor medical relief. As far as persons in receipt of public assistance are concerned a number of local authorities have increased their scales of allowances since the outbreak of war. As my hon. Friend is aware improvements have been made in the allowances to be paid to the unemployed.