HC Deb 24 April 1934 vol 288 cc1550-1
59. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the public assistance committee at Waltham-stow is taking into account the whole sum of reserve pay of men who are reservists from the fighting forces when assessing means of such men who apply for transitional payment; whether this practice is usual in all areas; and whether it has his approval?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

The manner in which local authorities take reserve pay into account in administering transitional payments is within the discretion of the authorities themselves and does not require my right hon. Friend's approval.

Mr. McENTEE

Is the practice general?

Mr. HUDSON

Generally speaking, the practice of the authorities varies in accordance with the circumstances of the individual case.

Mr. LAWSON

Has the Ministry not taken any interest in the matter? Has not the statement been made that the desire of the Ministry is that reserve pay should be treated just as disabled soldiers' pensions?

Mr. HUDSON

Under the existing law, the matter is one for the decision of the authorities themselves and not for my Department.

Mr. THORNE

Is it not a fact that, where some public assistance committees have gone beyond what is allowed by the Department, you come along and chastise them and make them keep their house in order?

Mr. HUDSON

There have been no regulations issued as far as I am aware.

Mr. LAWSON

Will the hon. Gentleman consider sending commissioners to places where the committees will not behave decently?