HC Deb 16 May 1950 vol 475 cc994-5
36. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of National Insurance why the Assistance Board allowance of 4s. a week to Mrs. E. Bell, Club Lane, North Thoresby, Lincolnshire, has been stopped recently, especially in view of the fact that, through illness, she cannot do regular work to supplement her 26s. a week widow's pension.

Dr. Summerskill

Mrs. Bell, who is a widow of 44 living with two children who are working, recently had her needs reassessed following a change in her circumstances and was found by the Board to be no longer in need of assistance. If she is dissatisfied with this decision she can, of course, appeal to the local appeal tribunal.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister satisfied that the local authority has sufficient discretion to cover cases like this?

Dr. Summerskill

My experience is that the National Assistance Board deals generously with such people.

Sir Herbert Williams

Does not this mean that we still have a means test running under this Government?