HC Deb 05 July 1949 vol 466 cc1936-7
5. Mr. Tom Brown

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will now give serious consideration to the revision of the National Assistance Regulations (Determination of Needs), 1948, No. 1334, made on 22nd June, 1948, which came into operation on 5th July, 1948, in view of the inadequacy of the scales contained in the regulations to meet the needs of the old people of this country.

Mr. J. Griffiths

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary informed the hon. Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool (Mrs. Braddock) on 3rd May, any alteration in the present regulations, which were approved by this House as recently as 16th June, 1948, and came into force on 7th July, is a matter in the first instance for the National Assistance Board. The Board have informed me that they recently reviewed the position in the light of representations made to them by deputations, including representatives of old age pensioners' associations, but do not consider that there are grounds at present on which they would be justified in recommending increased rates.

Mr. Brown

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the present scales are adequate to meet the needs of the old people, in view of the rising cost of living?

Mr. Griffiths

The scales which we submitted to the House in June last year, and which were approved by the House, showed a substantial improvement upon the scales that obtained previously. I would remind the House too, that the conditions under which assistance can now be awarded have been eased and improved considerably as compared with what they were before that time. The matter is one for the Assistance Board and they have said that, having examined the position carefully, they do not at present recommend any change.

Mr. John Paton

While agreeing that there has been considerable improvement over what existed previously, is it not a fact that experience over the last 12 months has shown that the scales are inadequate to give the old people the comfort in their old age which they have well earned?

Mrs. Castle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the regulations provide for people who have no resources whatsoever apart from the supplementary pension; that in those cases every penny counts, and that the recent small increases in the price of food alone cause hardship? Will he not reconsider the regulations?

Mr. Griffiths

It is necessary to correct the impression given by my hon. Friend that this assistance is payable only to those who have no resources at all. Indeed, we have established a standard which provides for persons who have resources beyond the supplementary pension.

Mrs. Castle

But does it not include people with no other resources?

Mr. Griffiths

It may, but this House has always regarded it as essential in a scheme of this kind to provide not only for people with no resources at all, but to establish a standard of need which is the highest in the world.

Mr. Brown

On a point of Order. I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

Forward to