§ 6. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Fraserburgh public assistance committee to pay able-bodied relief in kind; and if he will make representations to the council to return to the making of monetary payments?
§ Mr. SKELTONI am informed that the Fraserburgh local committee have hitherto continued the practice followed by Fraserburgh parish council of affording relief to the able-bodied in kind, and that at a recent meeting the county public assistance committee resolved to recommend to the county council that a portion of the weekly allowance should be paid in cash. The county council have not yet had an opportunity of considering this recommendation.
Mr. BOOTH BYWill my hon Friend consider giving some general instructions for the guidance of county councils in this matter, in order to obtain uniformity of practice?
§ Mr. SKELTONNo, Sir; I do not think it is for the Department to instruct the county councils or public assistance authorities of whatever sort on that 1697 matter. It is for the public assistance bodies to decide in what form relief should be given.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the giving of relief in kind makes these men feel that they are being humbled and placed in the position of beggars?