HC Deb 18 December 1947 vol 445 cc390-1W
118. Dr. Stross

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what number of children are now cared for in homes organised by local authorities; what number are boarded out; and what were the corresponding figures for 1938.

Mr. Ede

About 19,000 children are being cared for in homes and institutions provided by local authorities, excluding nurseries established by local public health authorities. About 10,000 children are boarded out by local authorities. In 1938, about 21,000 were being cared for in local authority homes and institutions. I regret that comparable figures for boarding out are not available for 1938.

119. Dr. Stross

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the payment made per week for children boarded out; and what was the figure in 1938.

Mr. Ede

I regret that I am not in a position to give comprehensive information comparing present rates with those paid in 1938. Such information as I have at present indicates that the weekly maintenance rates paid by local authorities vary according to the ages of the children, that there are local differences in the scales, and that it is a common practice to supplement weekly payments by additional allowances in respect of clothing and pocket money.

120. Dr. Stross

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what number of children are now cared for in homes organised by voluntary societies; and what was the number in 1938.

Mr. Ede

About 31,000 children under 17 years were being cared for in voluntary homes (as defined by Section 92 of the Children and Young Persons Act) in July, 1947. The comparable figure for 1938 was 34,000. The figures for both years exclude children in special schools and in approved schools run by voluntary organisations.