§ 71. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Labour if he will give the total number of claims for transitional payments con- 29 sidered and the number refused throughout Great Britain during 1932 and up to the latest date?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)The total number of initial applications for transitional payments considered by public assistance authorities in Great Britain between 25th January, 1932, and 4th February, 1933, was 1,435,654, and in 258,602 cases it was held that the needs of applicants did not justify payment being made. The corresponding figures for renewals and revisions were 8,796,029 and 342,713 respectively.
§ 73. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet taken steps to insist on scales of relief for transitional payments being made by public assistance committees; and if any model scales approved by him can be made available for Members of this House?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have no power to require authorities to adopt scales for transitional payments. Any scales adopted must apply primarily to public assistance and the preparation of such scales is a matter within the discretion of authorities.
§ Mr. LUNNWhat power had the right hon. Gentleman to interfere with the West Riding County Council when it decided to improve scales which it had previously adopted and to tell them that he could not approve of amendments which were being put into the new scales?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI should like notice of that question, but I should think probably I have no power whatever.