§ 16. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the Unemployment Assistance Board, in their circular to their officers authorising discretionary payments to meet the increased cost of living, have given authority that such increases shall be equal to the increased cost of living over and above the index figure at the time the basic allowances were fixed, such increase will be made to both single 1088 and married applicants; and whether the advisory committees in each area will be consulted as to the amount of the increases to be made in each district?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe Board inform me that, in considering the adjustment of allowances, the circumstances of both married and single applicants will be brought into review. Adjustments where necessary will be made according to the requirements of individual cases, and not on an arithmetical or proportionate basis such as the hon. Member contemplates in his question. The Board's officers will, from time to time, report to the local advisory committees on the progress of the adjustments, but it is not proposed to make specific reference to the committees on the amounts of the adjustments in individual cases.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the purport of the right hon. Gentleman's reply that the officers will not be permitted to increase allowances to an amount equal to the increase in the cost of living? If that is not to be done, what are the definite instructions to the officers of the Board?
§ Mr. ThorneWhy is the right hon. Gentleman allowing this Fund to accumulate considerably when he knows that thousands of people are starving in consequence?
§ Mr. GallacherIs not every unemployed man and woman in urgent need?
§ Mr. Graham WhiteWill the Minister represent to the Unemployment Assistance Board that in this matter they are trying to deal with special cases, but the difficulty is one which applies to nearly all the applicants?
§ Mr. George GriffithsHave not the officers of the Board full discretion, without consulting the advisory committee at all?
§ Mr. BrownI have pointed out quite specifically that the award depends upon 1089 the judgment of the officer in the case concerned. I have no doubt whatever that, if any cases of general application arise, they will be referred to the advisory committee. That is a matter for the Unemployment Assistance Board.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsSince a special need arises from the increase in the cost of living, how can the officers judge except by taking the basis of the increased cost of living and increasing the allowance to the same degree?
§ Mr. BrownThe operations of the Board are such that each case is considered, on an average, once a month, and they have therefore a closer knowledge of individual needs than anyone else in this country.
§ Mr. GriffithsThat is not my question.