§ 33. Mr. BANFIELD (for Mr. LAWSON)asked the Minister of Labour under what authority the board constituted under the Insurance Industry Special Scheme has power to assess an applicant's need for transitional payment?
Mr. HUDSONPersons insured under the Insurance Industry Special Scheme are not within the general scheme of unemployment insurance, and are not eligible for transitional payments under the Order-in-Council of October, 1931. Corresponding payments are, however, provided under a special Order made in February, 1932, relating to persons insured under the special scheme. These payments are made out of the funds of the special scheme, and are assessed in the manner laid down by the special Order. The special Order provides that in the assessment of claims, regard shall be had to the practice of authorities in determining questions relating to transitional payments under the general scheme.
§ Mr. G. NICHOLSONIs the Minister satisfied with the administration of transitional payments under this scheme, and has he seen the distressing case that occurred lately in London?
Mr. HUDSONPayments under the special scheme are made out of funds which do not arise as a result of contributions either by the men or the State. Therefore, my right hon. Friend has no control over the payments. I will add that a person has full ordinary common law rights of appeal to the public assistance committee, to supplement payments, in the event of his feeling that the allowance is not sufficient.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONIs this fund in any degree solvent, and is the Minister aware of the recent case in London in which a man, wife and three children were given 14s. 3d. per week?
Mr. HUDSONIn that particular case, as my hon. Friend knows, the determination of the claim was a matter that was under appeal at the time of the unfortunate event to which he refers.
Viscountess ASTORDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that the conscience of the House would support him if he raised the dependent children's allowance to 3s. instead of 2s.?