§ 6. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what progress is being made with the amalgamation of her Department and the National Assistance Board; and whether the consequential result will be an improvement in the benefits payable to retirement pensioners.
§ 13. Mr. Deanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when she will introduce legislation to replace National Assistance by a new system of benefits.
§ Miss HerbisonThe Gracious Speech made clear the Government's intentions in regard to the matters raised by the hon. Gentlemen, and I would ask them to await developments.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan my right hon. Friend give any idea of the time-table she has in mind in this respect? Will she recognise that, however administratively convenient and tidy this may be, there is no substitute for hard cash for these people?
§ Miss HerbisonI agree very much with my hon. Friend. I can assure him that the Measure will be brought before the House at the earliest moment possible, and I hope that is not very far away.
§ Mr. DeanCan the right hon. Lady give an assurance that when the legislation does come it will also pay attention to the disregards in order to give further help to those who have been thrifty in the past but who in some cases are not able to get any help under present arrangements?
§ Miss HerbisonOn the general question of disregards, I ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Measure, but I can assure him that we have given 1211 very serious consideration to the question of disregards and to many other matters.