HC Deb 24 June 1926 vol 197 cc564-5W
Mr. ROBERT WILSON

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons, giving adults and children separately, maintained in the workhouses on 1st January, 1926, or nearest date available?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

154,500 adults and 52,000 children under 16 years of age were being maintained in the various classes of Poor Law institutions in England and Wales, on the 1st January last.

Mr. WILSON

asked the Minister of Health the average number of persons maintained in the workhouses during the years 1923–24, 1924–25, and 1925–26, respectively?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The average number of persons maintained in Poor Law institutions in England and Wales was 207,346 in the year 1923–24, and 204,895 in the year 1924–25. The figures for 1925–26 are not yet available.

Mr. WILSON

asked the Minister of Health the total amount expended in connection with Poor Law institutions during the years 1923–24, 1924–25, and 1925–26, respectively?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The total expenditure in connection with Poor Law institutions in England and Wales was 213,735,923 during the year 1923–24, and £14,494,451 during the year 1924–25. The figures for 1925–26 are not yet available.

Mr. WILSON

asked the Minister of Health what was the average weekly cost per person maintained in the workhouses during the years 1923–24, 1924–25 and 1925–26, respectively?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The average weekly cost per person maintained in Poor Law institutions in England and Wales was 25s. 5d. in the year 1923–24, and 27s. 1½d. in the year 1924–25. The figures for 1925–26 are not yet available.