3. Mrs. Braddockasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will alter the regulations for supplementary allowances under National Assistance, to ensure that aged persons living alone shall be assured an income of not less than £2 per week, and married aged couples living together, not less than £3 15s. per week.
§ Mr. SteeleAny alteration in the present regulations, which were approved by this House as recently as 16th June last and came into force on 7th July, is a matter in the first instance for the National Assistance Board. The Board inform me that they have recently reviewed the position in the light of representations made to them by deputations 800 including representatives of old age pensions associations, but do not consider that there are grounds at present on which they would be justified in recommending increased rates.
Mrs. BraddockWould the Parliamentary Secretary, at any rate, ask the advisory committee to review this question, because if aged people are taken into the hostels that have to be set up by the local authorities the cost per person in the hostels is approximately £3 per week, and it is silly to imagine that a person for whose maintenance in a hostel £3 is required can manage outside on less than £2 per week?
§ Mr. SteeleI understand that this was one of the matters which was discussed when the deputation met the chairman of the Assistance Board.
§ Mrs. Jean MannCan the Minister say how much of the hostel cost is accounted for by the provision of staff?
§ Mr. SteeleI am afraid that is another question.