HC Deb 22 December 1927 vol 212 cc564-5
31. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will reconsider his circular to parish councils of 1925 regarding scales of payments, in view of the extreme nature of the cold weather, and advise them to resume their former practice of slightly increased payments?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

I would refer to my replies on this subject given to the hon. Member on 8th and 22nd November, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is not the extreme cold in Scotland in the past two or three weeks sufficient to cause the right hon. Gentleman to consider the matter? Does he think 29s., the normal scale of relief for three children, father and mother, is sufficient in these cold days to provide warmth as well as food?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I said that we had no evidence before my Board that hardship was being caused, and I invited the hon. Member to bring before me any cases where such hardship has accrued, but I have not received them.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in these bitter cold days 29s. is not sufficient to maintain five persons in warmth and food?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The hon. Member must also be aware that in the circular issued by the Board of Health a certain latitude is given to parish councils to deal with special circumstances in special cases?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that parish councils are interpreting this as a dead rule of 29s., and will he not make inquiries, particularly in industrial centres, to see if real distress is not occurring generally, and not deal with exceptions?

Sir J. GILMOUR

If there are any complaints that they are not being properly treated, they have their remedy in an application to have their cases considered.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that persons have no appeal against the parish council at all if they are able-bodied, and they have to accept this 29s. for five persons? Could he not reconsider the thing in view of the extreme cold?

Sir J. GILMOUR

This is a matter which is always, of course, before the Board, but they have no evidence, although I have invited evidence.