§ 22. Mr. J. Patonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of people in Norwich in receipt of National Assistance at 31st January, 1956, and 31st January, 1957, respectively.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am informed by the National Assistance Board that at 24th January, 1956, and 22nd January, 1957, the numbers of weekly assistance 846 grants current in the county borough of Norwich were 4,975 and 5,321, respectively.
§ Mr. PatonHas the Minister observed that these figures show a rising tendency and trend, and is that not usually accepted as being indicative of the inadequacy of the basic pension? In view of that, would he not now reconsider his previous answers? Further, may I ask him if he will convey to the National Assistance Board the opinion of a great section of the hon. Members of this House that recipients of National Assistance are now suffering great hardship because of the rising cost of living and that it is time that a substantial rise was given in the scale of benefits?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe figures for the county borough of Norwich which I have given are very much above the national average and, for that reason, I think that the argument which he so persuasively introduced into his supplementary question is perhaps a little less persuasive than he might think.