HC Deb 11 July 1935 vol 304 cc467-8
5. Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefits who have been refused dependants' benefits, and whether it is his intention to take the necessary action to provide dependants' benefits to all in receipt of unemployment benefits?

Mr. E. BROWN

The number of claims for dependant's benefit which were disallowed by the independent statutory authorities during the period January to June, 1935, was 21,531 but I am unable to state how many claimants were concerned or how many are now in receipt of benefit. I do not propose to seek to alter the conditions for the receipt of dependant's benefit.

Mr. MACDONALD

In view of the fact that this House never approved of a means test in connection with standard benefit, are we to understand that the Minister does not intend to carry out such a test?

Mr. BROWN

That is another issue. If the hon. Member will look at his question again he will see that it goes very far, and it is his last suggestion to which I am referring.

Mr. MACDONALD

But does not the Minister appreciate that, while the House has approved of a means test for transitional payments, this means test will apply to standard benefit; and do the Government approve of such a means test being applied?

Mr. BROWN

I would not agree with the hon. Member's way of putting it.

Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHS

Is it not against the law for such instructions to be issued in regard to a man who is on standard benefit? There is no means test that can be applied under the law to standard benefit.

Mr. BROWN

That is a different issue from the issue raised in the question.

Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

Is there any disqualification test in respect of benefit allowances except the normal test of dependency?

Mr. TINKER

Seeing that this anomaly has arisen, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to bring the matter before the House so that it can be altered?

Mr. BROWN

I would like to see the anomaly to which the hon. Member refers set out in precise terms. If hon. Members have any particular case in mind, and if they will state it in precise terms, I shall be glad to answer on it, but I cannot give a general answer. I have given already an answer to the question which goes very far.