1. Mr. Andersonasked the Minister of Labour the maximum amount which can be allowed under the Regulations of the Unemployment Assistance Board to persons requiring to travel to enter a hospital in Cumberland; and the amount which may be allowed to a dependent relative when it is necessary for a person to be accompanied to hospital?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)I am informed by the Board that they regard the arrangements for conveying patients and their attendants to hospital as properly forming part of the medical service provided in such a case. Where, however, the cost can be covered by some small addition to a current allowance and ordinary means of transport can be used they have not, up to the present, felt themselves debarred from making the necessary adjustment in particular cases. The amount of such an addition where made is not prescribed in the Regulations but is a matter for determination in the light of the circumstances of the individual case.
Mr. AndersonAm I to take it from that reply that there is no maximum figure fixed, in view of the fact that hospitals in some parts of West Cumberland have been closed down, and that patients have to be transported nearly 40 miles in some cases to enter hospitals? In those circumstances, will they be treated on their merits, and no maximum be fixed?
§ Mr. BrownI think that generally the amount has been 2s. 6d., but in some cases it has been 6s. or 7s. 6d.
§ Mr. T. SmithWould they have discretion to include the price of the vehicle in cases of emergency?
§ 13. Mr. A. Jenkinsasked the Minister of Labour the number of appeals to the tribunal under the Unemployment Assistance Board now outstanding in the Pontypool district; and whether he is aware that there is substantial delay in getting cases brought before the tribunal?
§ Mr. BrownI am informed by the Board that for their Pontypool area there were on 12th July, 61 appeals in all which had not been heard but that arrangements had already been made to meet the position caused by a recent increase in the number of appeals.
§ 15. Mr. Jenkinsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, on instructions from the Unemployment Assistance Board to area and district officers, their powers of discretion in cases of special circumstances have been destroyed; and whether he will take immediate steps to restore to the officers concerned the powers they originally possessed?
§ Mr. JenkinsIs it not a fact that instructions have been issued to the officers making it clear to them that they have no power themselves to determine what a man shall be given in a special case, but that they have to refer such cases to London?
§ Mr. BrownPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will look at the first Annual Report, on page 39 of which he will find laid down what has always been the instruction. There has been no alteration.
§ Mr. JenkinsIs it not a fact that some limits have been set—two or three shillings—and that in no case is the officer allowed to give anything in excess of that?
§ Mr. BrownPerhaps the hon. Member will look at the instruction, of which I will send him a copy, and if he wishes to put a further question down, I shall be glad to look into the details.