§ 28. Mr. Manuelasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what amount of the £4 million increase in the estimated expenditure of the National Assistance Board represents projected increases in rents and rates in Scotland.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI regret that no such figure is available.
§ Mr. ManuelThis matter is causing great concern to Scottish Members on this side of the House. Will the Minister have very full consultations with the Secretary of State for Scotland and keep firmly in mind that the Secretary of State has taken power under the new Housing (Scotland) Bill to increase rents to the figure which he thinks fit? Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that there will be an on-cost to his Department as a result of decisions by the Secretary of State in regard to rents in Scotland?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI can only say that, in the vast majority of cases, the National Assistance Board, in assessing its payments, takes full account of rent and rates, and it will continue to do its duty.