§ 11. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that James Menzies, 51, Alexander Parade, Glasgow, made an application to the Civil Liabilities Commission for a grant to enable him to buy furniture to set up his home which had been broken up owing to his absence on military service; that the Commission admitted his claim and advised him to buy on the hire-purchase system and offered to contribute at the rate of £26 per annum for three months; and whether, in view of the disadvantage of this system, he will instruct the Commission to make the applicant a grant of a reasonable lump sum down to aid him to buy furniture for cash?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Wardle)I have been asked to reply to this question. The facts are substantially as stated. I recognise it as an anomaly that the Regulations governing the award of grants out of the Civil Liabilities Fund should in certain circumstances admit of assistance towards buying furniture on the hire-purchase system, but should not admit of lump sum grants for this purpose. The Ministry are, as a matter of fact, in communication with the Treasury as to the propriety of making any grants at all for such purposes. I will let the hon. Member know as soon as a decision is reached.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that buying furniture on the hire-purchase system is a thriftless method and that you are actually giving this man less than if you gave him nothing at all, and is not the total sum you are giving him here only enough to buy a superior kitchen table or one single bed without a mattress?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have already admitted that it is an anomaly.
§ Mr. WARDLEDoes the hon. Member mean in a lump sum or by the hire purchase system?
§ Mr, WARDLENot that I am aware of.