§ 33. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Health if he will permit the comforts allowance to inmates of public institutions to be increased above the present figure of 2s. per week; and the payment of such allowances to persons who have not yet reached the age of 65 years.
§ Mr. BevanI regret that I have at present no power to do so. The existing law does not in general authorise the grant of pocket money in excess of 2s. a week or to persons below the age of 65. The statute does not, however, apply to pensioners, since the local authority can exercise a discretion as to the amount of the pension that they will refrain from claiming.
§ Mr. CollinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that I have received sums of money from charitably disposed persons to be spent on behalf of the patients in public assistance institutions in my area, and have been prevented by the regulations from expending them for the benefit of the persons concerned? Can he have another look at the matter?
§ Mr. BevanIf the hon. Member will Jet me have particulars, I will certainly inquire into the case.