§ 37. Mr. Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance by what authority wives who have deserted their husbands in circumstances which would not entitle them to an order from a court are nevertheless given National Assistance.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterUnder Section 4 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the National Assistance Board is under a statutory obligation to relieve need.
§ Mr. IrvineWhere in a case of this nature the woman's conduct is contrary to public policy as defined by this House, would my right hon. Friend not consider it to be a case to which his attention might be directed?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe duty placed on the Board is to relieve need. I should be very hesitant in trying to introduce into the consideration of need the sort of ideas that my hon. Friend has in mind.