§ 13. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of National Insurance the reasons for the increased number of applicants for National Assistance in August, 1952, of 1,826,382 against 1,593,114 in August, 1950, the increased number of visits of 100,544 in 1952 against 96,417 in 1950, the increased number of callers per week of 117,709 in 1952 against 95,169; and what action he is taking to reduce these figures.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Insurance (Mr. R. H. Turton)Part of the increases to which the hon. Member draws attention, of course, occurred before October, 1951. 1453 There are many factors at work and it is impossible to say which are the most important. My right hon. Friend is, however, studying the whole position very carefully.
§ Mr. TurtonMy right hon. Friend is carrying out the responsibilities laid on him by the National Assistance Act, 1948.
§ Mr. LewisCan we have something more tangible than that? Can we be told definitely what the Government are doing to bring down unemployment and the numbers of those who have to apply for National Assistance?
§ Mr. TurtonThis trend was one to which we succeeded when we came into power. Such trends are not easily reversed, but we are taking urgent steps to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. T. BrownIs it not obvious in every constituency in the country that owing to rising prices people are now compelled by sheer economic circumstances to apply to the National Assistance Board in order to live?
§ Mr. TurtonIf the hon. Gentleman will refer to the cost-of-living index he will see that it shows that in the period covered by this Question the cost of living rose by some 14 points during the previous Government and by some six points under this Government.