HC Deb 28 April 1952 vol 499 cc999-1000
14. Mr. Frederick Gough

asked the Minister of National Insurance to what extent his regulations permit National Assistance to be paid to persons without a permanent address.

Mr. Peake

There are no special regulations about these cases. They are dealt with by the Board's officers in the normal course of administration.

Mr. Gough

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some cases the rules are interpreted to mean that no National Assistance can be given where the recipient is homeless? Would he look into any cases I might send to him?

Mr. Peake

I should be pleased to look into any cases, but there is no such rule, and at the Horsham outstation of the National Assistance Board, which, I think, is in my hon. Friend's constituency, five or six applications are made every month and assistance granted to persons who have no home address.

Mr. George Thomas

Would the Minister send out information to the National Assistance Board offices that such is his interpretation of the Act, because there is undoubtedly a ruling in practice in South Wales that if a person is homeless or has no permanent address no assistance can be given? I have had such cases brought to my notice.

Mr. Peake

I dare say that the answer to this Question will publicise the position, but I am assured by the Assistance Board that there is no such ruling in operation, as has been suggested.

Mr. R. J. Mellish

Is the Minister aware that the Assistance Board have certain addresses on their black list? Is he aware that that means that if a genuine person goes to that address—I am thinking of some lodging houses—he is not allowed benefit by virtue of the fact that he is homeless until the most exhaustive inquiries are made? Is he aware that in many instances a genuine person has been badly affected by this and will he see that a more humane approach is made to this problem in the case of these people?

Mr. Peake

I am very well satisfied that there is a humane approach by the Assistance Board, but if the hon. Gentleman has any particular case or cases in mind perhaps he will let me know.