§ 26. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health, in view of the increasing practice of local authorities demanding payment for the provision of home helps to those in receipt of National Assistance, what progress has been made in discussions with associations representing 18 local health authorities to stop this practice; and what action he has taken to assist such people meanwhile.
§ Miss PittThe Association of Municipal Corporations has now advised its members that it considers this practice unjustifiable; discussions with the County Councils Association are continuing. Meanwhile I understand that the National Assistance Board's officers use their discretionary powers where necessary to ensure that the payment of such a charge does not leave a recipient of assistance with less income than the National Assistance standard.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I congratulate her on that type of reply and I hope that some satisfaction will be reached before very long with the associations?