§ 23. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered making special financial provision for old age pensioners who have to enter institutions and who have rent or other financial obligations which they wish to continue or settle?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe general rule is that an old age pensioner who has become an inmate of an institution for the purpose of obtaining medical or surgical treatment continues to draw his pension so as to enable him to pay his rent and meet other financial obligations, and I am informed by the Assistance Board that regard is had to these obligations in determining how long a supplementary pension should be paid. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I shall be pleased to make inquiries and to inform him of the result.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIs it not a fact that the Assistance Board are operating the 14 days' rule in these cases and will not extend beyond the 14 days?
§ Mr. BrownIf my hon. Friend has any evidence of that perhaps he will let me have it, and I will pass it on to the Assistance Board and let him know the result.