§ 1. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Minister of National Insurance how many aged and sick people on the Assistance Board's registers in Glasgow received special grants for clothing and other goods in kind between July and 31st December, 1948, and what was the cost of the same; and how many were assisted with such aid by Glasgow Corporation and what was the cost of the same over a comparable period when the charge for such assistance to the aged and sick was met by local rating.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)Separate figures for the aged and sick are not available but during the period 5th July to 21st December last 3,437 grants for clothing, bedding, etc., to the total amount of £14,660 were made to persons receiving National Assistance in Glasgow. There are no comparable figures available in respect of grants by the Corporation as they ceased to be responsible for old age pensioners as long ago as 1940.
§ Mr. CarmichaelIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the last six months, when we had the responsibility for supplying clothing to the aged and sick, Glasgow Corporation spent £50,000? Is he further aware that there is a serious shortage of supplies of clothing for the aged people in the City of Glasgow, and that the promise made by himself and the Department was that the people would be no worse off when they were transferred from the local authority to the national authority? May I ask him if, under the powers in the Act, he will consider with the local authority the possibility of making bulk purchases, so that the aged and the sick can be supplied more regularly with essentials?
§ Mr. GriffithsI should be glad to discuss this matter with my hon. Friend. As he knows, this was particularly a Glasgow institution. I have given the figures for which he asked. On the larger question he raised, I will discuss that with him.