§ 32. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Labour the number of cases where the means test has been applied to applicants in receipt of standard benefit?
§ Mr. BATEYDid not the right hon. Gentleman say last week that it was when an applicant for standard benefit applied for children's benefit?
Mr. STANLEYI explained fully to the House what the position was, which has existed for 12 years. Applicants for dependants' benefit in the case of children have to prove that the children were wholly or mainly maintained by them.
§ Mr. BATEYAre we to understand that where children are not wholly or mainly supported by those applying for standard benefit, there is a difficulty in getting children's allowance?
Mr. STANLEYThat has been the law for 13 years, and it was clarified and codified by the Government supported by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. BATEYWhy cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer the question as to how many cases there have been?
Mr. STANLEYIf the hon. Member thinks that that constitutes a means test, he must get up on every platform in the country and say his party has been in favour of it.
§ 33. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Labour when the last order was issued regarding persons in receipt of standard benefit having to state the amount of money going into the family income; and whether the order can be issued to Members of this House?
Mr. STANLEYThe decisions upon claims for benefit are given by independent statutory authorities. I have no power to issue orders with regard to those decisions, and my only duty is to see that the authorities are given the information they require. In the course of the Debate on 3rd April, I gave the history of the official forms designed for this purpose. I assume the hon. Member has in mind the form U.I. 534A, issued in July, 1934, of which I am sending him a copy. The questions on page 4 of this form relate to applications for dependants' benefit in respect of dependent children.