§ 31. Mr. Lawsonasked the Minister of Health the total number of able-bodied unemployed receiving public assistance through the public assistance committees in England and Wales?
§ Sir K. WoodStatistical information in the exact form desired by the hon. Member is not available, but the average number of persons (excluding dependants) ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation who were in receipt of out-relief in April, 1937, on account of unemployment was approximately 28,500.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the Minister aware that under the 1934 Act all able-bodied unemployed come under the care of the Unemployment Assistance Board, and can he say why so many are dependent upon public assistance committees?
§ Mr. J. GriffithsDo not these figures disclose that the Unemployment Assistance Board are rejecting large numbers of applications from the able-bodied unemployed?
§ Sir K. WoodI am not aware of that but I will look into the matter if the hon. Member will give me any cases.
§ 52. Mr. Whiteleyasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the increased cost of public assistance committees due to dental treatment and the provision of artificial dentures to persons in receipt of allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board; and whether he is prepared to arrange for such cost to be met by the board and thus relieve the local public assistance committees of what should be a national charge?
§ Sir K. WoodI have received a communication from one local authority on this matter. I am advised that under the Unemployment Assistance Act the board have no power to defray the cost of dental treatment.
§ Mr. WhiteleyDo I understand that the public assistance committees will still have to bear the burden of these additional costs?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir; the provision of medical benefits remains the responsibility of the local authorities under the Act.
§ Mr. George GriffithsCannot the Unemployment Assistance Board grant dentures under the "pots and pans" Clause?