§ 42. Dr. Littleasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increased cost of living which is bearing hardly on those of slender means, he will make arrangements whereby disabled persons unable to earn a livelihood and who have not reached pensionable age, are granted an allowance from the State which will provide them with the necessities of life.
§ Mr. WillinkA disabled person whose resources are insufficient to provide him with the necessities of life can obtain assistance from the public assistance authority. Under the proposals contained in the White Paper on Social Insurance the duty of providing financial assistance for all classes of persons on proof of need will rest on the Assistance Board.
§ Dr. LittleIs not this a matter demanding immediate attention and not one for the Assistance Board? I would like my right hon. and learned Friend to go thoroughly into the matter with a view to making sorely needed provision for these helpless persons, and not throw them back on to public assistance.