HC Deb 26 November 1931 vol 260 cc473-4
1. Colonel BALDWIN-WEBB

asked the Minister of Labour if the disability pensions of ex-service men will be taken into account in the means test to be applied to applicants for transitional benefit?

10. Mr. DENVILLE

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on the North-East coast disability pensions are being taken into consideration in the means test for transitional benefit; and if he will take steps to put an end to this practice?

30. Mr. JOHN WALLACE

asked the Minister of Labour whether, when a disabled ex-service man applies for transitional benefit and is subjected to the means test, the amount he receives as pension is regarded as part of his means?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)

In reply, I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer which I gave to a number of questions on this subject on Thursday last, 19th November.

Colonel BALDWIN-WEBB

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a good deal of hardship exists?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I gave a very full answer to questions on this subject last week to which I have nothing to add. We shall have a Debate on these questions this afternoon in which no doubt the hon. Member will be able to take part.

Mr. WALLACE

Is there any discretionary power left in the hands of public assistance committees to deal with these cases?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Certainly, the widest discretionary power.

Captain FRASER

Will the right hon. Gentleman invite, or better still, persuade or force these public assistance committees to have regard to the principle that the need of these disabled men is greater than the need of ordinary men, and that the best measure of their need is the pension which they are receiving?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I have already done that in a circular which I have issued.

Mr. LUNN

Is the Minister aware that the public assistance committees have turned down men who were in receipt of 50 per cent. ex-service men's pensions, and have removed all their unemployment benefit?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I am not aware of that fact.

Mr. HARRIS

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of there being some uniformity of action between the various committees?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I have neither the power nor the desire to attempt to enforce uniformity upon public assistance committees. It is a matter for them, and they must use their own judgment.