§ 21. Mr. Pethick-Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which authorities in Scotland do not make use of the permissive powers of the Poor Law (Amendment) Act of 1938 to give pocket money to the old people in their institutions; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)I am sending my hon. Friend the names of the local authorities in Scotland who do not give pocket money to aged persons in their Poor Law institutions and of the authorities who give it to pensioners only. Allowances of tobacco and sweets are sometimes made instead. I propose to write to the local authorities concerned drawing their attention to the Act, but, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, the powers conferred by it are permissive.
§ Mr. Neil MacleanWill the names of these authorities appear in the printed Hansard Report of the right hon. Gentleman's answer?
§ Mr. JohnstonI cannot tell off-hand. I do not think so, but, if not, I will try to make it clear in another way.
§ Mr. Pethick-LawrenceIs there any reason to keep the names secret?
§ Mr. JohnstonNo, Sir.