§ 12. Mr. R. J. TAYLORasked the Minister of Labour whether service pensions are taken into calculation in assessing the allowances due to unemployed persons under the application of the means test; and, if so, whether he will take steps to put an end to this violation of the undertaking given to the House of Commons by his predecessor, and to rectify this imposition upon any ex-service men?
§ Mr. E. BROWNAs a general rule service pensions are treated as part of an applicant's resources which are available to meet his needs, and I am not aware of any undertaking having been given that they should not be so treated. Section 38 (3) of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934, provides that the first.£1 a week of wounds or disability pensions, as defined in Section 54 of the Act, shall be disregarded.
§ Mr. TAYLORWill the Minister consider whether service pensions apart from disability pensions ought to be taken into consideration in this connection; and furthermore does this not seem a poor return from a grateful country to men who have served it?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the Minister aware that there was considerable confusion on this question of service pensions when the matter was originally discussed; that great hardship is caused by the inclusion of these pensions in the household means; and, in issuing new regulations, will he take this matter into consideration and see whether something can be done?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member knows that this question was very fully discussed and was decided by the House, but I will bear in mind what he says.