§ 43. Dr. Kingasked 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. PeakeOn the basis of the Official Index of Retail Prices the present purchasing power of this additional allowance is 12s. 3d.
§ Dr. KingWill 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. PeakeAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the initiative and the responsibility in this matter lie with the Assistance Board.