HC Deb 03 November 1938 vol 340 cc389-90W
Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Health the amount paid by the public assistance committee of the county of Durham to supplement the income of those receiving old age pension according to the most recent annual estimate?

Mr. Elliot

I regret that this information is not available, as the returns received in my Department do not distinguish the cost of poor relief to old age pensioners.

Mr. Kelly

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of old age pensioners who are in receipt of public assistance?

Mr. Elliot

On the 1st January, 1938, the latest date for which figures are available, 230,852 old age pensioners were in receipt of poor relief.

Mr. Kirby

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider introducing at an early date legislation having for its object the raising of the amount of old age, widows', and orphans' pensions to such an extent as will make the recipients independent of public assistance and charity?

Mr. Elliot

The answer to the first part of the question is as follows:

Captain Wallace

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 1st March last to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. Joseph Stewart). I am afraid that the Government cannot see their way to introduce legislation for this purpose.