§ 9. Captain Sir IAN FRASERasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the concession to disabled ex-service men that the first £1 of disability pension would be left out of account when assessing their incomes under the means test cannot become operative until the new board is set up under the Unemployment Act, he will remind public assistance authorities of the circular issued by his predecessor in 1931 and of a number of statements subsequently made on behalf of his Department, the effect of which was that such authorities might at their discretion increase payments to disabled men on account of their disability above the normal; and will he invite them to consider taking this action at their discretion so that any hardship may be alleviated forthwith?
Mr. STANLEYPublic Assistance Authorities were informed in a circular of 24th November, 1932, issued from my Department, that where in any case the nature of the disability is such as to involve extra expenditure and calls for a 1244 greater measure of assistance than would otherwise be appropriate, the authority may properly take such special need into consideration in determining the amount of transitional payments to be allowed in any case. I have no reason to suppose that authorities need to be reminded by any further circular of their powers and duties in the matter.
§ Sir IAN FRASERIn view of the special circumstances which have arisen owing to the expectation given to these men and the necessary delay which has occurred in bringing it into full activity, will the right hon. Gentleman consider reminding these authorities of their powers?
Mr. STANLEYIf there is any necessity to remind authorities of their powers probably the object has been achieved by the question of the hon. and gallant Member and the answer.