§ 12. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Labour to what extent additional allowances for coal during this winter have been granted to recipients of unemployment assistance in the area covered by the Pontefract office?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe Unemployment Assistance Regulations do not provide specifically for coal allowances but in individual cases where there is special need a suitable adjustment of the assessment is made. In so far as assessments are affected by the "Standstill" the allowances paid take into account the practice of the local authority in administering 2232 transitional payments. I am informed, however, that under the practice of the local authority for the Pontefract area it was very exceptional to grant coal allowances.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsMay I ask whether on and after the second appointed day unemployed men who have received the coal allowance from the public assistance authority will, when they are transferred to the Board, continue to receive it.
§ Mr. BrownIf the hon. Member will look at the middle part of my answer, he will find that it answers his question.
§ Mr. T. SmithIs it not a fact that it was the practice of the West Riding County Council to grant coal allowances during the winter months?