HC Deb 06 May 1957 vol 569 c616
17. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what draft regulations have been currently submitted to him for approval by the National Assistance Board under Section 6 of the National Assistance Act, 1948; and if he will exercise his powers under subsection 6 (3) of that Act to ensure that revised scales take account of increased payments required for higher rents.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

None, Sir. As regards the latter part of the Question, rent is provided for separately as an addition to the scale rates and the Board's officers have already all the powers they need to deal adequately with changes in rent.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the Answer mean that, where pensioners have to pay an increase in rent, they will be able to get a comparable increase in the allowance granted to them?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

It means that, where recipients of National Assistance —persons already drawing National Assistance—have their rents increased, that can be taken into account in the supplementary payments for rent which the National Assistance Board makes.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister prepared to make a further inquiry whether the National Assistance Board is to be in a position to require landlords to carry out repairs before the increased rents are charged?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That raises not only another question but one which, I think, is not for me.