§ 75. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Health why he ordered the Essex County Council to stop giving pocket-money to patients under 65 years of age in their public institutions; if he has considered a protest from the mayor of Saffron Walden about the matter; and what action he intends to take.
§ Miss HorsbrughMy right hon. and learned Friend has not given any such orders, but his inspector, who was consulted by the county public assistance officer, advised him that the payments in question would not be lawful. My right hon. and learned Friend has considered a letter from the mayor of Saffron Walden about this matter and he is informing him of the facts and of the purport of the replies which have been given to previous Questions in this House.
§ Mr. ThorneDid the council in question break any of the laws or the regulations connected with the Order in Council?
§ Miss HorsbrughThe inspector was asked by the public assistance officer whether a certain procedure would be lawful, but the inspector had naturally to reply that, under the present law, it was not possible to make these payments.