§ 4. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how far the recent increase of 4s. per week for a married couple in the supplementary allowances payable by the National Assistance Board was based upon detailed computations made by the Board and by his Department in which the special needs of pensioners only were taken into consideration; how far it was based upon the cost-of-living index; and whether he will place all relevant documents in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. PeakeThe Board informs me that it took into consideration all available information which seemed to have a bearing on the requirements of pensioners and other people receiving assistance. Since National Assistance started in July, 1948, the Interim Index of Retail Prices has risen by 36 per cent., whereas the scale rate for a married couple has been increased by 57 per cent. On each occasion when draft regulations containing proposals for increased scales have been submitted, they have been accompanied by an explanatory memorandum which I have presented to Parliament as a White Paper.
§ Mr. HaleDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is telling the House that the Board has a method of computation of the cost of living which does not rely on the cost-of-living index but on calculations of its own, and that the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to disclose to hon. Members what the basis of that computation is, or to place figures in the Library so that they can be checked?
§ Mr. PeakeNo Government has ever stated how the National Assistance Board calculates the requirements upon which its scales are founded, and that goes for the Socialist Government, as indeed it does for this Government. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not start?"] When hon. Members say "Why not start?", the short answer is that the Board thinks it would be quite impossible to compile a notional cost-of-living index which would 747 meet the needs and requirements of the many different classes of persons for whom it has to provide.