§ Mr. PALINGasked the Minister of Health the total amount expended in outdoor relief by boards of guardians in Great Britain during the first week of August, 1925, and the last week in December, 1925, respectively; and will he state the total number of persons in Poor Law institutions during the last week in December, 1924, and December, 1925, respectively?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI regret that the exact figures asked for in the first part of the question are not available. The average weekly amounts expended on out-relief in money and kind by boards of guardians during August, 1925, was £284,419, and in December, which includes extra Christmas relief, was £353,309. The numbers of persons (excluding casuals) in receipt of relief in institutions under the control of Poor Law authorities during the last week in December, 1924, and December, 1925, were approximately 201,200 and 206,800 respectively. The above figures relate to England and Wales. As regards Scotland. I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland.