HC Deb 03 February 1932 vol 261 cc132-3
18. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to prevent differentiation in the rates of transitional benefit paid in areas where similar conditions prevail?

Mr. HUDSON

The determination of the amounts of transitional payments is a duty resting upon the local authorities and my right hon. Friend has no power to give directions as to the manner in which this duty shall be carried out.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that the Department have been in no way trying to intimidate certain public assistance committees?

Mr. HUDSON

The hon. Member must not understand that anything of the kind has been done.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman states that it is not part of the Government's policy to interfere with local authorities, are not the Government interfering with local authorities where they are making what they think too high payments, and should they not interfere with local authorities which are making too low payments?

Mr. HUDSON

All I said was that my right hon. Friend has no power to give instructions.

Mr. ALBERY

Arising out of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.