§ 60. Lieut.-Colonel GAULTasked the Minister of Labour if he will make inquiries for the purpose of ascertaining whether there are any public assistance committees which take into account and make deductions for prospective relief from British Legion funds to unemployed ex-service men before awarding them extended benefit?
Mr. HUDSONSuch assistance should clearly be taken into account, but the question to what extent there should be a consequent deduction from the amount of transitional payments is a matter within the discretion of the public assistance committee and should be determined in the light of the special needs of the individual applicant.
§ Lieut.-Colonel GAULTDoes the hon. Gentleman consider it just that voluntary funds should be utilised for liquidation of the liabilities of the State, and, if not, will he be prepared to introduce amending legislation to put this matter right?
Mr. HUDSONI could not accept the assumption in the question. This matter is one entirely for consideration by the public assistance committees.