§ Sir H. BETTERTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give figures for each of the three last financial years for Scotland, distinguishing the amounts paid to able-bodied unemployed persons and their dependants and the amount expended on the relief of those who cannot be classed under this category?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThe following table contains the desired information:
1981W
Expenditure of Parish Councils in Scotland on poor relief during the years ended 15th May, 1927, 1928 and 1929. — Destitute Able-bodied Unemployed. Other Sane Poor. Lunatic Poor. Total. 1927* … … 2,307,633 2,326,765 450,109† 5,084,507 1928 … … 1,586,969 2,332,401 457,401† 4,376,771 1929 … … 1,212,405 2,428,109 469,287† 4,109,801 * Includes over £698,405 in respect of relief to miner's dependants during coal stoppage. † This is proportion of cost of maintenance of lunatic poor borne by parish councils, namely, 50 per cent. The remainder is borne by district boards of control.
§ Sir H. BETTERTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated total sum for each of the last three financial years expended by the Poor Law authorities for Scotland in the relief of able-bodied unemployed persons, including their dependants; and what is the estimated sum by which these figures will be reduced for the coming financial year by reason of the operation of the last Unemployment Insurance Act?
Mr. ADAMSONAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer on this subject given to-day to another question asked by the hon. Baronet. As regards the second part of the question, it is not yet possible to estimate what reduction will be effected in the expenditure of parish councils on the relief of the able-bodied unemployed in Scotland as a result of the new Unemployment Insurance Act. I propose, however, to call for returns from the large industrial parishes on the matter.