§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many persons in each island of the Outer Hebrides were receiving National Assistance at the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will give the figures at approximately that date in 1951, 1955 and 1957, respectively, and the total sums paid in each of those years and in the present year.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAt 25th November last, 4,071 weekly national assistance grants were being paid to applicants in the Outer Hebrides. The corresponding figures for 1951, 1955 and 1957 are respectively 3,652, 4,253 and 4,122. An analysis of these figures in relation to different islands is not available but if on further inquiry the National Assistance Board are able to furnish more detailed information, I will write to the hon. Member. Information apportioning the cost of assistance between different localities could not, however, be obtained without undue labour.