§ 2. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of persons in receipt of National Assistance payments at the latest convenient date and the comparable figure for 1956.
§ The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)The National Assistance Board informs me that the number of weekly assistance grants was 1,683,000 at 29th October, 1957, and 1,635,000 a year before.
§ Mr. DoddsDo not these figures indicate the main reason for an increase in the basic pension? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the widespread disgust at the fact that about 1 million of the poorest of the old-age pensioners drawing National Assistance and tobacco tokens get not 10s. but a miserly 2s. 8d.? What has the right hon. Gentleman to say about that?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterFirst of all, the hon. Gentleman's figures are wrong; and secondly, there will be ample opportunity to discuss these matters, which do not seem to me to arise out of the request for figures contained in the Question.
§ Mrs. BraddockCan the Minister give any indication of how many of the landlords in this country are going to receive vast sums in national assistance in view of the Rent Act legislation of the present Government?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIf the hon. Lady wishes to raise questions on the Rent Act, I am sure she will find adequate opportunity on an appropriate occasion.