HC Deb 03 March 1926 vol 192 cc1411-2
33. Mr. WESTWOOD

asked the Minister of Labour whether the reason given for the withdrawal of allowance for children of unemployed men in Leven, in Fife, was that the condition of maintenance, wholly or mainly, by the parents was not satisfied in the case of children earning 5s. per week, and that because children received meals from the education authority to the value of 5s. per week the Ministry held they were earning 5s. per week; does he still claim that these children were earning anything; and, having promised to consider this case further, will he now give orders for payment of the children's allowances in all cases where the same has been withheld?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

As I promised in reply to the hon. Member on 17th February, I have considered this case further. The position is that the local education authority is issuing vouchers weekly to the value of £1 in respect of four children. In view of this fact, the local committee did not recommend the grant of dependants' benefit for these children, and I do not see my way to disagree with their view. I may add that dependants' benefit is being paid in respect of three other children of the applicant.

Mr. WESTWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason given for withholding the benefit was that the earning of 5s. a week laid them open to a discontinuance of benefit; and he has not answered my question, which is, whether the earning of 5s. a week in the way of food is regarded by the Ministry as if 5s. a week is earned by the child?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

If there is from any source other than the claimant 5s. a week available for a child,, the usual practice is to regard the child as not being wholly or mainly maintained by the parent, therefore the allowance is withheld.

Mr. WESTWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the education authority of Fifeshire, representing all political parties, believe that the Ministry of Labour are nothing more or less than brutes in withholding this?

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