§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has observed that the number of persons in receipt of ordinary outdoor poor relief in Greenock increased from 1,469 as at 31st January, 1938, to 1,801 as at 31st January, 1939, while their dependents increased from 1,944 to 2,110 during the same period, giving a total increase of 226W 498 persons as compared with a year ago; and if he has any statement to make on the subject?
§ Mr. ColvilleYes, Sir. The local authority inform me that a, substantial part of the increase is accounted for by the fact that persons over 65 years of age who are still capable of work are now classified with the ordinary poor, instead of, as formerly, with the able-bodied poor whose numbers including dependants decreased by 231 between the same dates. I understand also that there has been some increase in sickness this winter.
§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many old age pensioners in Greenock were in receipt of public assistance at the last available date, and at the corresponding date a year ago, respectively?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe number of old age pensioners in Greenock who were in receipt of public assistance at 15th November, 1938, the latest date for which information is available, was 816. The number at the corresponding date in the previous year was 764.