§ 21. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will arrange with the parish councils that when, after the 15th May, the increase of 3s. is granted 211 as an addition to unemployment benefit, no corresponding sum will be deducted by the parish authorities wherever they are contributing a sum in addition to that received as unemployment benefit?
Mr. ADAMSONI have no power to make any such arrangement. By the Poor Law Acts it is left to the discretion of individual parish councils to determine what amount of relief shall be given in any case. In fixing the allowance to be granted to a family they must take into account any income entering the household.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs it not a fact that the Scottish Board of Health issued its scale for the guidance of parish councils, and is it not possible for the Secretary for Scotland, as head of that Department, to issue a new scale increasing the allowances laid down?
§ Mr. CLIMIEWill the Secretary for Scotland not compel the parish councils to adopt the scale?
§ Mr. HARDIEIn view of the fact that in relation to the datum line of ex-service relief we have increased the 20s. to 25s. and the 30s. to 35s., thereby raising the standard of relief, can the Secretary for Scotland not so increase the standard that all coming for relief may have the same standard of relief?
Mr. ADAMSONAs my hon. Friends know, I have already met the representatives of parish councils on the question of extra payment for rent and certain things. It is my intention to carry through these negotiations.