HC Deb 19 March 1940 vol 358 cc1793-4
30. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Mrs. Bruce, an Aberdeen woman, in need, owing to the death of her husband while serving in the Army, went to the public assistance department for help, pending a decision upon her application for a pension, where she was told that her mother must disclose her means; that her mother was fearful of the call that might be made on her slender resources, and declined to give information; that, thereupon, the department's inspector informed Mrs. Bruce that she must issue a summons against her mother to disclose her means; and whether such a suggestion is either countenanced or authorised by him?

Mr. Colville

I am informed that Mrs. Bruce has been receiving relief in addition to the pension already awarded to her on the death of her husband. Under the: Scots Poor Law a mother is bound to maintain her children if she has the means to do so, and, as the public assistance committee, in causing inquiries into the mother's means, were acting within the Statute, I have no power to intervene. I am further informed that the public assistance committee, having now received information about the mother's means, do not intend to recover from her any part of the relief afforded to the daughter.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this woman, who is held bound to maintain her daughter, is the mother of a married daughter with children? In those circumstances will he answer the last part of the Question, as to whether he countenances the suggestion of the public assistance officer that the daughter should summon her mother in the courts to disclose her means?

Mr. Colville

I am not asked to countenance or to discountenance this. Under the Scottish law the Aberdeen public assistance authority were acting within their powers in making this inquiry.

Mr. Garro Jones

The right hon. Gentleman says that it is a question of law, and I am asking him, on a point of explanation, whether he has issued any instruction countenancing or discountenancing such a scandalous recommendation by a public assistance authority?

Mr. Colville

I pointed out, in the original answer, that the Aberdeen authority were within their powers in this matter. Under the Scots Poor Law, a mother is bound to maintain her children if she has the means to do so. These inquiries were made under that law, and I have no power to intervene. The matter has now been satisfactorily settled. I have shown my interest in the matter, but I cannot intervene.