298 THE BRITISH APPROACH TO POLITICS

ment adapted to each group, but this principle was often dis-
regarded in practice. The aim of reformers in modem times has
been to "break up the Poor Law" and have the aged, the infirm,
the unemployed and other groups, each treated in an appropriate
manner. This aim is gradually being achieved. Old Age Pensions
provide some help for part of the problem; hospitals are becoming
a separate local Government service; welfare and education
authorities deal with the young. Part II of the 1934 Unemploy-
ment Act has made the care of the able-bodied unemployed a
national concern. The Public Assistance Committees which the
County Councils are required to set up, are left with the care of
those whose poverty is not due to unemployment, and who have
not, for one reason or another, been transferred to other Com-
mittees. To these persons, who number about one and a quarter
million, the authorities may administer out-relief, Le., money or
tickets with which food, etc., can be obtained. The amount of
relief must be determined by considering what means either the
applicant, or the members of his family possess. The Ministry of
Health has issued regulations telling the authorities how far they
are to take into account money which applicants may be getting
from health insurance, friendly societies, and the like. The aim
of the Central Government is to make the condition of recipients
of Public Assistance, similar to that of the unemployed who come
under the Unemployment Assistance Board. Local authorities
however, still exercise considerable discretion in their interpreta-
tion of the law, and in the provision of special forms of reHef,
such as winter coal. For the administration of Public Assistance,
a number of Relieving Officers are employed to whom the
destitute make application; throughout, the country are com-
mittees appointed by the Councils, who determine each case
subject to the Council's instructions. So large is the problem, in
some areas, that the Councils have to be careful that real control
does not slip out of their hands. Continued poverty does not as a
rule improve a man's powers of stating his case clearly, and
Relieving Officers and local committees, harassed by the number