§ 60. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that some boards of guardians, in administering out-door relief, are giving to aged and infirm people considerably less than that given in old ago pensions, and to widows and children less than is given to the widows and children of deceased soldiers; and whether, in view of the fact that relief when given should 1274 be adequate, what action, if any, he proposes to take to have the order of the Ministry observed?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe question of the amount of relief required in a particular case is one to be determined by the guardians dealing with the application, on whom Parliament has placed the responsibility; I have no authority to make any order or regulation dealing with this matter.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONAs the order of the Board is that relief, when granted, should be adequate, would the right hon. Gentleman urge on Boards to increase the relief to equal that given to old-age pensioners and widows and children of deceased soldiers?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe state that relief must be adequate, but it is impossible to say as to the details of any particular case unless the details are before you. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.