§ 72. Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Labour whether he will inform the House what commodities in which changes of price have taken place were given consideration by the Unemployment Assistance Board prior to issuing their Instruction in regard to supplementary allowances?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Butler)My right hon. Friend is informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that they considered all the principal commodities which are ordinarily purchased by the 857 households with which the Board is concerned. The extent to which there have been changes in price is shown in the tables published monthly in the Ministry of Labour Gazette.
§ Mr. MainwaringAre we to assume from that reply that the suggested increase in allowance is the correct measure of the increase in these commodity prices?
§ Mr. ButlerI think the hon. Gentleman may assume that the Board's action, which it is taking over this winter, will meet the difficulties of these families.
§ Mr. T. SmithIs there any truth in the statement that in some areas supplementary allowances have been limited to a maximum of 2S. a week?
§ Mr. ButlerIf the hon. Gentleman will refer to the Circular, a copy of which is in the Library, he will see that the Board has discretion in this matter.
§ Mr. A. BevanDoes the hon. Gentleman contend that these are the special hardships which are met in the Instructions under which these officers act?
§ Mr. ButlerI am satisfied that the Instructions refer to the price of some commodities, together with the coming of the winter months.
§ Mr. BevanIs this not a violation of the Statute and ought not the House to be given an opportunity of reconsidering the scales as a whole?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ 73. Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Labour whether, during the first review period the Unemployment Assistance Board will give special consideration to cases of households consisting of husband and wife whose total income consists of unemployment assistance?
§ Mr. ButlerThe instructions given by the Board to their officers already make provision for this.
§ Mr. MainwaringAre we now to understand from that reply that all claims will be considered during this review period?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Gentleman put a specific case to me, and I have answered that that case is covered by the Board's instructions to its officers.
§ 74. Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Labour whether he will inquire and inform the House what, in the opinion of 858 the Unemployment Assistance Board, constitutes a household of normal size and composition?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Board inform me that, in so far as the phrase is used in instructions to their officers the Unemployment Assistance Board intend it to apply to households the size and membership of which do not in themselves provide a ground for special consideration.
§ Mr. MainwaringAs the phrase "household of normal size or composition" is used in the circular referred to by the hon. Gentleman, is it not in order for me to ask him to state, and should he not be compelled to state, what is meant by "household of normal composition"?
§ Mr. ButlerI think if the hon. Gentleman again reads the circular, he will see that certain provision is made for "households of normal size and composition." The circular then goes on to say that larger or smaller sums may be added where the circumstances of the case warrant.
§ Mr. MainwaringMay I press my question? What is a household of normal composition?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Gentleman will realise that the Board has discretion in this matter, and its officers can exercise discretion on the advice of the advisory committees. I am satisfied that in cases of necessity the Board's officers will take the necessary steps.
§ Mr. MainwaringBut as this phrase is used in the circular referred to by the Parliamentary Secretary, is it right and proper that the hon. Gentleman should seek to evade the question What is a household of normal composition?"