HC Deb 20 January 1953 vol 510 cc25-6
41. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will pay post-war credits to applicants who are in receipt of National Assistance.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am afraid that I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

Mr. Jeger

Will the Chancellor bear in mind when preparing his Budget that a number of people at present applying for National Assistance grants for clothing and things of that kind, would much rather have their own money to spend and thereby have control of their own money and at the same time not be a burden upon public funds?

Mr. Butler

I will certainly note that point.

Mr. Lewis

When considering this matter in the preparation of the Budget, will the Chancellor also bear in mind the suggestion that unemployed textile workers and dockers should have their post-war credits back to help them to buy some of the goods that they cannot now get?

Mr. Butler

I will bear anything in mind, but I must not be thought to be encouraging false hopes.