§ 22. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of National Insurance what is the practice of the National Assistance Board with regard to the provision of warm clothing, especially for old people, in the winter.
§ Mr. PeakeI would refer my hon. Friend to the Board's statement on pages 14 and 15 of their annual Report for 1949.
§ Sir I. FraserWould my right hon. Friend see whether he cannot extend this scheme—this method of help—as it is a sensible one and gives good value for money?
§ Mr. PeakeMy hon. Friend will, of course, know that any initiative in this matter rests not with me but with the Board. He may also like to know that last year 132,000 exceptional need grants, mostly for clothing, were made by the Board, averaging nearly £4 a piece.