HC Deb 23 February 1933 vol 274 cc1874-7
6. Mr. TINKER

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Lancashire County Council has sent out instructions to the public assistance committees in the Leigh area that in determining transitional payments under the Needs Act, 1932, the wounds or disability pension only shall be reduced by one-half and that the allowances for wife and children are not to be treated similarly; and what steps he proposes to take in view of this violation of the provisions of the Transitional Payments (Determination of Need) Act, 1932?

Sir H. BETTERTON

As was made clear in the explanatory circular issued after the passing of the recent Act, the rule relating to disability pensions applies only to the personal disability pension and not to allowances in respect of a wife and children. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. TINKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decision in the circular is contrary to the opinions which are held on this side of the House, and will he give an opportunity for a discussion in order to ascertain the opinion of the House on the matter?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The circular states the effect of the Act passed by this House.

Mr. TINKER

In view of the unsatisfactory state in which the matter is left, I give notice that on the Debate on unemployment on the Minister's salary I shall bring this matter forward.

7. Mr. BATEY

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applicants for supplementary benefit under the means test in the county of Durham who have had a personal interview with any of the three commissioners?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Applicants who are dissatisfied with their determinations are referred, in the first instance, to the appropriate area officer. If thereafter they still consider that their circumstances have not been properly dealt with it is open to them to request a personal interview with the commissioners. Only one such request has, so far, been received. This request was granted.

Mr. BATEY

Is the Minister correct in saying that only one request has been received? I can show him a letter showing scores of cases.

Sir H. BETTERTON

That is the information I have received. If my in-formation is wrong, I shall be only too glad to receive information from the hon. Member.

8. Mr. BATEY

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployed miners living at Sunnybrow Colliery, County Durham, who are allowed to occupy colliery houses without paying rent, have had 3s. 3d. and 4s. 3d. per week deducted from their unemployment benefit; and whether he will state on what grounds the commissioners have adopted this principle in dealing with cases of rent-free houses?

Sir H. BETTERTON

This is a matter within the discretion of the commissioners who no doubt are prepared to take all the circumstances into account.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that we must approve of this action? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister appealed over the wireless for charity towards the unemployed and that these owners have practised it; and is it right that the Commissioners should take advantage of the position?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir. We discussed this matter the other night. I am well aware that this is a very difficult question, and it refers to what I believe is known as "double offtake". Therefore, I would suggest to the hon. Gentleman that he should make representations to the Commissioners if all the circumstances, which are very complicated, are not fully taken into account.

Mr. MAXTON

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that Members of this House should make representations to the Commissioners rather than to him?

Sir H. BETTERTON

That is a matter which we discussed the other day. The Commissioners will always receive representations on matters such as this, and it is to them and not to me that they should be made.

Mr. MAXTON

I am talking about Members of this House. I ask the Minister seriously if he is suggesting that Members of the House should run round to his subordinates putting cases to them?

Sir H. BETTERTON

As I explained the other night, I am expressly precluded from dealing with these cases under Act of Parliament passed by this House.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

When does my right hon. Friend expect the report on this matter?

Sir H, BETTERTON

I cannot say.