HC Deb 29 May 1934 vol 290 cc26-7
43. Mr. DICKIE

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in administering out-relief the public assistance committees in the county of Durham are regarding orphan's pensions as household income, while the commissioners for transitional payments allocate such pensions entirely to the child; and will he give the reason for this difference of treatment?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

The county council take into consideration both the needs and the pension of the child in assessing the needs of the household, and my right hon. Friend sees no objection to this course. He understands that the practice of the commissioners is different. The matter is within the discretion of the respective authorities.

Mr. DICKIE

Is it not a fact that the public assistance committees deliberately take pensions into account as being part of the household income, while the commissioners are ignoring them and allotting the pension entirely to the child? Why should there be this differentiation?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

We are in touch with the Ministry of Labour on this matter, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.