§ 31. Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will introduce legislation to amend the National Assistance Act so that family allowances may be disregarded in assessing the means of applicants.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HunterIs the Minister aware that tens of thousands of parents dependent on National Insurance were deprived of the last increase in family allowance which, I think, the then Chancellor told us was meant to help the larger family? Will he bear this point in mind?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIf I may say so, the hon. Gentleman has mentioned a point of some interest and importance; but the proposal made in his Question was most effectively dealt with more than ten years ago by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) in moving the relevant Bill.
§ Mr. MarquandSince the right hon. Gentleman admits that there is something in this, has he no other proposal to make which would enable these larger families drawing National Assistance to benefit from an increase in family allowances which the Chancellor at the time told us was specifically designed for the benefit of the larger family?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe right hon. Gentleman has made that point two or three times, I think, and we have discussed it a good deal. I have certainly nothing to add at the moment.