The department shall, in so far as available appropriations will permit, study and collect information in relation to
(a) the number and conditions of persons who lack or are threatened with the deprivation of the necessaries of life, or seek, or are receiving public assistance or care and all matters pertaining thereto, including the causes thereof and advise measures for their relief, and also for the relief of those in receipt of aid from private charity;(b) unemployment, poverty, economic distress and other problems of social welfare generally as may be useful in the discharge of its duties or contribute to the promotion of social and economic security;(c) the number of recipients of aid in, and the receipts and expenditures of, each public welfare district;(d) dependency and local conditions relative thereto;(e) such other matters in respect to public and private charities as it may deem advisable; and shall publish such information as it deems of public concern and which may be of value in the performance of its duties.