§ 3 and 4. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) to what extent his Regulations provide for the granting of special allowances to diabetic persons in need of National Assistance to enable them to purchase special foods prescribed;
(2) what steps he takes to bring to the attention of diabetic persons drawing National Assistance allowances their right to additional grants to enable them to purchase special foods.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe National Assistance Regulations empower the Board's local officers to increase the normal rate of Assistance where there are special circumstances, and this power is used where necessary to meet the special requirements of diabetics. The reference to special expenses in the Board's leaflet, together with the inquiries made by the Board's visiting officers, should bring such cases to light. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to ask the Board to look into it.