HC Deb 08 July 1937 vol 326 c535
13. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the whole of a long-service Army pension is taken into account by the Unemployment Assistance Board when assessing unemployment assistance; and whether he will advise the Board to modify this matter in the interest of such applicants?

Mr. Butler

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that it is not the normal practice to take into account the whole of a pension of this kind. Allowance is made for personal requirements, the actual sum being determined at the discretion of the Board's officer according to the circumstances of the individual case. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular case that has given rise to difficulty, I shall be happy to communicate it to the Board.

Mr. Smith

Is the hon. Member aware that I have in my hand the case of a man who has had 24 years' service in the Army and who is drawing a pension of 24s. a week, every penny of which is taken into account by the Unemployment Assistance Board? If I promise to send this information on, I hope the hon. Member will look into it.