HC Deb 10 March 1952 vol 497 cc1007-8
43. Dr. King

asked the Minister of National Insurance what is the purchasing power, as compared with 1948, of the 15s. additional weekly allowance given to blind persons and those suffering from respiratory tuberculosis.

Mr. Peake

On the basis of the Official Index of Retail Prices the present purchasing power of this additional allowance is 12s. 3d.

Dr. King

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the National Assistance Board the views held by many Members on both sides of the House, and I hope himself, that the case for the raising of these scales is unanswerable?

Mr. Peake

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the initiative and the responsibility in this matter lie with the Assistance Board.