36. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Health to what extent old age supplementary pensions are reduced in cases where a pensioner takes in evacuees.
§ Mr. WillinkThe usual rule is that billeting payments are disregarded in assessing supplementary pensions. Exceptional cases.for example, where a number of evacuees are billeted on the same pensioner or where some private arrangement is made between the parties —are dealt with on their individual facts; and if my hon. and gallant Friend has a particular case in mind I shall be glad to have inquiry made if he will let me have the details.
§ Sir I. FraserDoes my right hon. and learned Friend realise that the taking in of evacuees in substantial numbers is not really a normal way of earning a living, but is something like a national service? Since the whole thing will soon be over, or we hope it will, cannot he put his staff on to some other job?
§ Mr. WillinkIt is the case, and the very frequent case, that private arrangements, which lead to a considerable increase of income, are made in respect of evacuees, and I think the method of considering individual cases must be the right one.