33. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, owing to the reductions in unemployment and transitional benefits, numbers of unemployed workers have to receive relief from public assistance committees; that this relief falls upon the districts which are most affected by trade depression; and whether he will take steps to coordinate the method of levying poor rates, so that an equalisation fund can be established on which the maintenance of the able-bodied poor shall be borne?
§ Mr. E. BROWNMy right hon. Friend is aware of the increase in the number of unemployed persons in receipt of Poor Law relief and of the fact that a good deal of this increase arises in areas specially affected by trade depression. An equalisation fund could only be established by legislation and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to consider such a proposal at the present time.
Mr. MACLEANThis question was put down originally to the Prime Minister by whom policy can be declared. Has this matter been referred to the Prime Minister or to the Lord President of the Council for his observations, and cannot they be given in reply to my question?
§ Mr. BROWNI have been asked to reply, and I have given the answer. The hon. Member will know that my right hon. Friend is not the first Minister to come to this conclusion.