31. Mr. FREDERICK HALLasked the Minister of Pensions if he has been informed that the West Riding County Council is prepared to reduce the charges made in respect of sanatorium treatment of children of War widows and disabled men if the Ministry of Pensons will re duce the deduction of 50 per cent. taken from the pensions of the children while under treatment in a sanatorium; and whether he will consider the desirability of entering into an arrangement with the local authorities, so that in every case the parent shall receive not less than 3s. a week of the child's allowance or pension, after the Ministry deduction and the contribution to local charges is paid, for the purchase of boots, clothing, etc., and the payment of fares and incidental expenses when visiting a child in a sanatorium?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYI am aware that the suggestion referred to in the first part of the question has been made. The reduction by one-half of the child's allowance in such cases is, however, imposed under the terms of the Royal Warrant because more than one-half of the cost of the child's maintenance in the sanatorium is provided from State funds other than those administered by the Ministry of Pensions. I should have no authority to make such arrangements as are suggested by the hon. Member in the last part of the question.