§ 15. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will take the necessary steps to require all those in receipt of family allowances to sign a 10 declaration that these allowances will be used solely for the benefit of the children and for no other purpose.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is common knowledge that at least some of this National Assistance money is used for other purposes, such as betting on pools and dogs, and that the other day I heard of a man who said, "Let's go and draw the beer money." Will my right hon. Friend stop this misuse of the taxpayers' money?
§ Mr. PeakeI am sure that, on reflection, my hon. Friend will realise that, in the case of the great majority who are good parents, these inquiries would be vexatious and unnecessary and that, in the case of the bad parents, they would be futile. As I believe that my hon. Friend subscribes to the principle of setting the people free, I should, therefore, deplore providing an additional form to be filled up.