HC Deb 14 March 1946 vol 420 cc1251-2
1. Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that old age pensioners who have responded to the appeal of the Minister of Health to share their homes have had their supplementary pensions reduced by like amounts with those derived from the letting; and will he see to it that their position is not prejudiced by their patriotism.

The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)

As I have stated in reply to similar Questions recently, this matter has been under review by the Assistance Board. It is the express practice of the Board to make a reasonable allowance for wear and tear and expenses, according to the circumstances of the case, before bringing into account sums received from sub-tenants. If, therefore, my Friend has particulars of a case in which the full amount received from the sub-tenant has been deducted from the supplementary pension, I should be glad if he will let me have them so that I may have inquiries made.

Mrs. Castle

Could I ask my right hon. Friend why the income from these sub-lettings should not be counted as earnings for which the usual allowances could be made?

Mr. Griffiths

This question involves the way in which the Assistance Board operate the supplemental pension with regard to rent. I think that on the whole the way in which the Board have handled the rent problem has met with general satisfaction and I am not disposed to deal with this generally.