§ 11. Mr. John McKayasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that, in the Wallsend area, men who apply for a supplementary pension are only allowed 6d., making a total of 26s. 6d., yet others living in the same building, Simpson's Hotel, paying the same rent of gs., who, apply for public assistance receive in total LI 15s.; and if he will instruct his Department to be more generous with the supplementary pension, so that pensioners have an income equal to those receiving help from the public assistance committee.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI am making inquiries into the circumstances of this case and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ 12. Mr. J. McKayasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that people living in Wallsend and receiving a supplementary pension of 6d., have to travel to North Shields to obtain it; and if he will either consider establishing an office in Wallsend borough, seeing that the omnibus fare to North Shields is 6d., or give instructions for the omnibus fare to be paid in addition to the supplementary pensions.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsSupplementary pensions are payable at the Post Office at which the pensioner cashes his main pension and there is no need for supplementary pensioners in Wallsend to travel to North Shields for this purpose. If, exceptionally, a supplementary pensioner is required to call at an area office, the Assistance Board tell me that their officers have been authorised to pay any necessary fares.