§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the West, Ham Board of Guardians is refusing coal allowances to applicants for relief; and whether, as this practice is causing great hardship to the poor, he will inquire into this matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe hon. Member is misinformed. The guardians do give coal allowances to applicants for relief where they think this necessary. I would point out that some misconception is introduced by the reference to coal allowances as distinguished from other allowances of relief. The guardians have to consider the whole need of the case, and it is purely a matter of arrangement whether they choose to call some part of the relief which is given, an allowance for coal or other special objects.
584W
§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of out-door relief in the West Ham Poor Law Union on 1st November, 1924 and 1926, and 1st June, 1924 and 1926, and the number of such persons at the present date?
§ Sir K. WOODThe total numbers of persons in receipt of out-door Poor Law relief in the West Ham Union on 1st November, 1924, and 30th October, 1926, were 67,191 and 49,390, respectively. The corresponding figures for 31st May, 1924, and 29th May, 1926, were 67,520 and 77,973, and for the 10th December, 1927, 28,548. Casuals and persons receiving medical relief only are not included in these figures.