HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 c1394W
Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Health what are the latest figures showing the number of old age pensioners, widow pensioners, and war pensioners, who are in receipt of public assistance?

Mr. Bernays

On the 1st January, 1938. the latest date for which complete figures for England and Wales are available, there were 230,652 old age pensioners and 59,733 widow pensioners in receipt of poor relief. Information as to the number of war pensioners in receipt of poor relief is not available as the returns received in my Department do not distinguish war pensioners from other recipients of relief.

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Health whether he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the statistics supplied to his Department by local authorities of the sums paid by them, respectively, by way of public assistance in supplement of old age pensions?

Mr. Bernays

I regret that I am unable to give this information, as the statistics supplied to my Department by public assistance authorities do not distinguish the cost of relief to old age pensioners.