§ 13. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the London County Council, in assessing the means of applicants for transitional benefit, take into account the value of meals given at school to children; whether this is the usual practice of public assistance authorities; and, if so, whether this practice is approved by his Department?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI understand that regard is had to the value of these meals in the London County Council area and that this is commonly, though not universally, the practice elsewhere. As the same practice is followed by the London authority in dealing with applications for public assistance their procedure is in conformity with the requirements of the Order in Council governing transitional payments.
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe hon. Gentleman really must not ask me to give him an opinion as to the practice of public assistance committees.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Cabinet, in bringing up the Bill to deal with the means test, to make this one of the considerations, about not taking into account meals given to children in the schools?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI must ask the hon. Gentleman to await the Bill. I cannot anticipate it.
§ Mr. THORNEYou can make representations surely?
§ Mr. HICKSThe right hon. Gentleman gave an opinion about Rotherham. Why cannot he give an opinion in this case?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe reason I gave an opinion about Rotherham was that Rotherham was quite clearly infringing an Act passed by this House.
§ 14. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that transitional payment is on a lower scale 1126 to people living in common lodging-houses than to those living in other lodgings; and on what grounds this distinction is made?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe practice of authorities in this matter depends on their practice in public assistance, and I would ask my hon. Friend to await the reply to a similar question which he has addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.