§ 20. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to what extent under his regulations National Assistance is granted in the case of a single man in receipt of 15s. above the Assistance Board's subsistence standard as a result of additional income through part-time employment in cases where he is sharing accommodation with a fully-employed brother.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe assessment of need in an individual case under the National Assistance (Determination of Need) Regulations depends on the circumstances of such a case and is, by Statute, a matter for the National Assistance Board. I understand that the hon. Member has a particular case in mind and that he wrote to the Chairman of the Board on 8th February about it.
§ Mr. SpriggsIs the right hon. Lady aware that there are men who have to suffer the added indignity of having to rely on an elder brother, fully employed, to buy such things as boots because the National Assistance Board refuses to make a grant as these young men are 15s. above the subsistence level? If I send her the facts, will the hon. Lady look at this matter again?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI would be prepared to look into the matter, but the hon. Member will be aware that these cases vary and they are assessed on their merits by the National Assistance Board.