HC Deb 11 November 1943 vol 393 cc1276-7
37. Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider extending the option of local authorities in the matter of giving pocket-money to inmates in their institutions to other than aged persons, to whom it is at present confined?

Mr. E. Brown

The Statute authorising the payment of pocket-money applies only to persons aged 65 years or upwards, and I have no power to extend its application to other persons.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

Has the right hon. Gentleman been approached by local authorities asking for a change in the law in this matter?

Mr. Brown

I have had one or two communications from them.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

What reply did the right hon. Gentleman make?

Mr. Brown

I was only able to tell them what I have told the right hon. Gentleman to-day.

Mr. Sorensen

Is it not the practice in many institutions to grant pocket-money to young persons and to middle-aged per- sons, and does the answer mean that that practice is illegal?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member must put down that question.

Mr. Messer

Is the Minister aware that this practice prevails only in public assistance institutions, and can he make it possible for it to prevail in public health hospitals?

Mr. Brown

That is one of the points among a vast number that I have been considering.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the rather serious reply of the Minister, will he take steps to see that none of the institutions which have been granting small amounts of 1s. 6d. or so to their inmates shall now have to cease that practice, and will he look further into the matter?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member, as I said, had better put that question on the Paper.