HC Deb 02 July 1936 vol 314 cc588-9
8. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Minister of Labour the practice of the Unemployment Assistance Board in cases when an allowance to an applicant is based upon contributions by members of a household to the household income and such contributions are, in fact, withheld?

Mr. BROWN

In accordance with the provisions of the Unemployment Assistance Act, the determinations of the board must be based on the resources of the members of the household, with due regard to their personal requirements. To attempt to base the assessments on the contributions made by members of the household would not only be contrary to the provisions of the Act but would require an intolerable system of inquisition and would result in great unfairness of treatment as between one case and another.

Mr. WHITE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries into this matter to see whether there is not hardship occurring in cases where assessments are made and not carried out?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member has any particular case he can bring to my notice, I should be very glad to call the attention of the board to it.