§ 1. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Social Security whether, in cases where the husband or the wife is a chronic invalid, she will disregard the earnings rule.
§ The Minister of Social Security (Miss Margaret Herbison)I assume that the hon. Gentleman has in mind the earnings limit for a dependency increase. This will be carefully considered in the course of our review of the National Insurance Scheme.
§ Mr. RidsdaleMay I ask the Minister not to reply that something has been done already under the Ministry of Social Security Act, because the £2 given is exactly the same as under National Assistance? Could something be done quickly, because the Minister is being very hard-hearted to this very small section?
§ Miss HerbisonAt least we have given some help. This problem has existed ever since the National Insurance Scheme was introduced in 1948 and it is one among many to which we have been left to try to find a solution.
§ Mr. BraineMay I say from this side of the House that we are very glad that this matter has been referred to the inquiry? Would not the right hon. Lady agree that it is plain that as long as no invalid benefit is paid in cases like this suspension of the earnings rule would be a simple act of social justice?
§ Miss HerbisonIt is because we feel that this should be examined very carefully that we have decided that it will be considered under the review.