§ 75. Mr. WHITEasked the Minister of Health whether the Government will consider introducing legislation for the purpose of charging to the National Exchequer the expenditure which now falls upon local authorities by reason of the transfer of unemployed persons from unemployment benefit to assistance from local rates?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend is not aware of any such change in the position of persons disallowed unemployment benefit as would give reason for considering the provision of special financial assistance to local authorities from the Exchequer on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WHITEIs my right hon. Friend not conducting an investigation into this matter, in view of the representations made by a number of local authorities?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe whole question is under review by the Government at the present time.