HC Deb 14 July 1914 vol 64 cc1681-2
10. Major HOPE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Budget Grant in aid of nursing will be applied for the benefit of insured persons and their dependents only; and whether he has yet decided on any scheme for the distribution and administration of this Grant?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 6th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Stirlingshire.

Major HOPE

Before any scheme is made final with regard to the administration of this Grant will it be laid before the House?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I will consider that.

26. Mr. J. HOGGE

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a large number of resolutions in favour of placing the Nursing Grant at the disposal of the Insurance Commissioners; and when he is likely to be in a position to say whether he is likely to accede to these requests?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

I have received a number of such resolutions. With regard to the administration of the Grant, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Stirlingshire on the 6th instant.

Mr. FREDERICK WHYTE

Are we to understand that the Scottish Office takes up no definite attitude of its own with regard to the allocation of these duties as between the Scottish local authorities and the Scottish Insurance Committee?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I do not think that is a correct inference from my answer.

Mr. WHYTE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some indication of what the attitude of the Scottish Office is?

Mr. HOGGE

Shall we have some information before the close of this Session?

Mr. WATT

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has received any resolutions to the contrary effect?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I was not asked that question, and I am afraid I cannot answer it without notice.

Mr. KING

Would not all these questions be much better answered on the Scottish Estimates?

Mr. W. WATSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the matter will be settled, and what opportunity there will be before it is settled of making representations to the Scottish Office or the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Of course the matter is primarily one for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and my hon. and learned Friend must question him on the subject.

Major HOPE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have just asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer this question, and he was unable to give an answer?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members should give some of the other countries a chance.