§ 3. Mr. LOGANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to advise the Unemployment Assistance Board to make weekly allowances of coal to the unemployed this winter?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe position now is the same as when the hon. Member put a similar question about a year ago, 214 namely, that this is a matter for the Unemployment Assistance Board, who inform me that allowances are determined, and, where necessary, varied on the actual needs of each individual case.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the West Riding these grants are made and that under the Liverpool Public Assistance Committee these grants can be got? Is it fair and just to the unemployed men to be debarred when public assistance cases can get this relief?
§ Mr. BROWNI am aware that there are a good many complaints because of the varying practices of local authorities throughout the last 100 years.
§ Mr. LOGANWill the right hon. Gentleman prefer to step in and use that discretion which is necessary and to see that the adjustment is made?
§ Mr. BROWNNo. The board do vary the allowances made, according to the actual need of the applicant.
§ Mr. LOGANMay I take it that the Minister of Labour declares that these people shall have no coal in the winter?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member must do nothing of the kind. I have pointed out specifically that this is a matter for the board and not for me.