§ 39. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what conditions it is necessary for Mr. Walter Harwood, of 49, Maidstone Road, Lowestoft, to fulfil in order that he may obtain full benefit under the National Insurance benefit regulations; and how, in view of his disability, he can do so.
§ Mr. PeakeTo get sickness benefit a man must have paid or been credited with the required number of contributions as laid down by the Act. In Mr. Harwood's case this condition is not fulfilled for reasons which have been explained to the hon. Member in a letter.
§ Mr. EvansI certainly have the explanation of the Ministry; they are nothing if not explanatory. My worry is how this poor chap, who can hardly speak and can only totter about, is to get the information which the Minister requires in order to receive the additional 14s. a week to give him a reasonable standard of living. Surely the Ministry understand that this job cannot be done 1592 by the man himself? I and others have tried to get the information from the Minister. Surely we can expect a little more co-operation and humanity from his Department?
§ Mr. PeakeThis is an insurance scheme. This man has paid no contributions at all since July, 1948, and is not qualified for benefit. He is, however, in receipt not only of a small pension from Norfolk County Council, I am told, but also of National Assistance.