HC Deb 12 March 1951 vol 485 cc1051-2
23. Mr. Douglas Houghton

asked the Minister of National Insurance under what Sections of the National Insurance Act, 1948, or Regulations made thereunder, the National Assistance Board are entitled to order their staff to receive or deal with applicants at their homes.

Dr. Summerskill

The board's officers are civil servants whose terms and conditions of service do not depend on any particular provisions of the National Assistance Acts and regulations made thereunder.

Mr. Houghton

Will my right hon. Friend be prepared to receive a small deputation from the staff concerned with a view to getting this troublesome matter settled?

Dr. Summerskill

I am very surprised that my hon. Friend should ask that question. There have been no complaints from the staff. I feel very strongly—and I have said this before in the House—that the National Assistance Act should be administered humanely. All we have asked of the staff is that, in the case of an emergency which calls for the applicant to go to the house of the official, the applicant who goes for assistance or information shall be treated humanely and courteously. I would remind my hon. Friend that of the 2,500 officers asked to do this since 1948, only 169 have been called upon and no one has complained.

Mr. Houghton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been persistent failure to reach agreement in the Departmental Whitley Council as to the conditions under which this obligation should be fulfilled? May I ask her again to try to reach agreement with the staff, so that this service, which all members of the staff are anxious to render, shall be given with the utmost good will?

24. Mr. Houghton

asked the Minister of National Insurance to what extent the National Assistance Board take account of the home circumstances of officers upon whom the obligation has been imposed of receiving or dealing with applicants at their homes.

Dr. Summerskill

The Board are not aware of any particular difficulty but they are, I understand, prepared to take account of individual circumstances on representation by any officer concerned.