§ 52. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it is the general practice of public assistance authorities to pay to people living in common lodging-houses a lower scale of relief than is granted to those in other lodgings; and on what grounds this distinction is made?
Sir H. YOUNGI am not aware of any general and explicit discrimination of the kind suggested. A local authority may, however, possibly act on the view that the cost of maintenance of a person living in a common lodging house is less than if he were living in private lodgings.
§ Mr. ROBINSONIf I bring some information on this point to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman will he give it his consideration?
Sir H. YOUNGI shall certainly be interested to see any information which the hon. Member will be kind enough to supply to me, but I must point out that this is a function of the local authorities.
§ Mr. LEVYDoes not my right hon. Friend think that this regulation has affected the overcrowding of smaller houses, where people live under less hygenic conditions?