HC Deb 05 March 1948 vol 448 c679
Mr. J. Edwards

I beg to move, in page 42, line 9, at the end, to insert: 'disability' includes mental as well as physical disability. There was a general feeling in Standing Committee that the word "disability" should be clearly defined to include mental, as well as physical, disability. I then expressed the opinion that I thought the wording of the Bill was all right, and although I am still inclined to that view, I think everybody would be happier if this Amendment were accepted.

Mr. Law

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the Parliamentary Secretary for this Amendment, which was moved by the Opposition in Standing Committee. My gratitude is the deeper because the hon. Gentleman has accepted it against his own convictions. I am sure the Minister will earn our gratitude frequently as these proceedings continue, and if I do not frequently get to my feet to express our thanks, it is not because we are ungrateful, but because it will facilitate proceedings.

Mrs. Braddock (Liverpool, Exchange)

While I appreciate that the Opposition moved this Amendment in Standing Committee, I think it is only fair to say that this question of interpretation arose out of comments which were made earlier by hon. Members on this side of the Committee. In our early Standing Committee proceedings on the Bill, some of us pointed out that many people had in their homes a mentally defective person who had been unable, because of the income of the family as a whole, to claim assistance for himself or herself from the Assistance Board. Arising from those comments, the Opposition put down their Amendment later.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 42, line 25, leave out "except," and insert "save as provided."—[Mr. J. Edwards.]

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.