§ 17. Mr. Leonardasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the representations made by the county councils of Scotland, urging that the medical needs of persons receiving aid from the Unemployment Assistance Board be borne by the Board; and whether he will take steps to gain such powers?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have seen a copy of a circular letter on this subject from the Association of County Councils in Scotland to all Members of Parliament for Scottish constituencies. The question raised would obviously affect a wider area. The present arrangements were deliberately adopted by Parliament, and I know of no good reason for altering them.
§ Mr. LeonardHas the Minister not considered the great amount of work falling upon local authorities in various parts of the country and does he not think that ought to receive some recognition?
§ Mr. BrownTo do what is asked would in many cases involve a duplication of medical services. This is a highly specialised service, and that was one of the factors taken into account in coming to a decision.
§ Mr. LeonardDoes not the fact that it is so highly specialised point to the need for some recognition of a financial character from the Fund?