§ Mr. G. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of persons in receipt of public assistance in June, 1931, and at the latest date at which figures are available, giving separate figures for Lancashire?
§ Sir K. WOODThe number of persons in receipt of poor relief (excluding rate-aided patients in mental hospitals, casuals and persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only) in England and Wales at the end of June, 1931, was 966,930, and on 13th July, 1935, was 1,271,783. The corresponding figures for the administrative county of Lancaster and the 17 associated county boroughs are 138,628 and 246,038 respectively.
§ Mr. GIBBINSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware that large numbers of men and women on reaching the age of 65 become a charge on local authorities; and if he will consider bearing this extra cost from the national Exchequer?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am sending the hon. Member a copy of a reply given by the then Minister of Health on the 23rd May, 1935, to a question asked by the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Sir J. Power) from which he will see that the total numbers of persons over 65 in receipt of public assistance appear to be less than 8 per cent. of the total numbers of persons above that age. I am not prepared to contemplate a grant from the Exchequer for the purpose suggested.