HC Deb 19 February 1931 vol 248 cc1435-6
42. Mr. McSHANE

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now state the results of his inquiry into the scales of relief drawn up and administered by the public assistance committee of the Staffordshire County Council; and whether these scales have been or are likely to be increased?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I have been in communication with the county council in the matter and have been assured that they concur in my view that relief must be adequate in all cases. I understand that while the scale has not been altered it permits a discretion which has been recently exercised in the grant of coal allowances in certain cases during the winter months.

Mr. McSHANE

While thanking the Minister for the action he has taken, I wish to ask him whether he is aware that, whenever a case receives benefit upon that, scale, a special form has to be signed in respect of it, and that this acts as a deterrent; and will he do his best to get that form abolished? Further, may I ask whether he will undertake to have the correspondence published?

Mr. GREENWOOD

It is not customary to publish correspondence between myself and a local authority while the matter is still under consideration between us.

Mr. McSHANE

Will the Minister deal with the form to which I have referred, which has to he filled up by every person who receives such assistance?

Mr. GREENWOOD

This is the customary practice of public assistance authorities, with which I have no power to interfere.

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