§ Mr. C. WILSONasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he can state for 1914 and for 1921 the average weekly cost per head of children in workhouses and children in cottage homes, and the average weekly amount granted by way of out-relief in the case of children?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI regret that the information available is not sufficient to enable me to give a complete reply to the hon. Member's question. The average weekly cost of relief in general Poor Law institutions, as calculated per head of the inmates (children and adults), was, in the year 1920–21, 30s. 2½. The comparable amount for children, in separate institutions for children, was 28s. 4½. These sums include the cost of accommodation, food, clothing, nursing, education and the salaries, etc., of officers and attendants. Exactly comparable averages for 1913–14 are not available. The average weekly cost of out-relief as calculated per head of all persons (children and adults) in receipt of it, was, in 1913–14, 3s. O½ and in 1920–21, 7s. 4½. These averages include certain costs of administration.