HC Deb 25 May 1944 vol 400 cc930-2
55. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Health if he will place in the Library of the House the instruction sent out by the Assistance Board to each area as to how the Command Paper 6490, which deals with supplementary pensions, shall be carried out.

Mr. Willink

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. Ellis Smith) on 26th March, 1942, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Tinker

Would it not be better, in matters of this kind, if Members were informed of what is happening, so that, if there were any difficulties, they could raise them by putting down questions; and will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider the question again and see whether he can fall in with the wishes of a large number of us?

Mr. Willink

I am very anxious, I think my hon. Friend knows, to be thoroughly helpful in this whole matter of supplementary pensions. The particular point he raises was answered thoroughly on the occasion to which I referred and was again dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service at the close of the Debate, which he and I well remember, in December last. If any particular point arises, I shall be most glad to try to help.

56. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the payment for rent under the supplementary old age pension is, in the case of the single person living in lodgings, being calculated as being two-thirds for rent and one-third for heating, lighting and crockery; and will he state if this is in accordance with the Assistance Board's ruling; and whether there is a uniform basis for rent in each Assistance Board area.

Mr. Willink

No, Sir. I am informed by the Assistance Board that where an applicant is paying an inclusive sum for rent, heating, lighting, etc., the amount attributed to rent depends on the circumstances of the individual case. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Ness Edwards) on 6th April, 1944.

Mr. Tinker

As this is a very important point and cannot be dealt with by question and answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.