§ 30. Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of Social Security whether she will increase the amount of savings and income disregarded for the purposes of paying supplementary benefit when the rates are increased on 7th October this year.
§ Mr. PentlandNo, Sir. This would benefit only those who are already living above the normal supplementary benefit level.
§ Mr. GoodhartDoes the Minister appreciate that the sharp increase in prices following devaluation has fallen particularly heavily on those who are just above the supplementary benefit level because they still retain some small savings of their own?
§ Mr. PentlandYes, but during the 18 years of the National Assistance scheme disregards were increased only once, and that was in 1959. We think, in general, it is better to improve the position of all recipients of supplementary benefit by increasing the rates of benefit.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that one of the hardest hit sections of recipients is that of those who are not receiving ordinary pension— the people over the age of 80 whom we are talking about? Will he not look at the question again particularly with regard to them?
§ Mr. PentlandAs I have already said, if these people come within the range of the supplementary benefits scheme, if they have a capital of £800, they will receive supplementary benefit, and in addition to that the Supplementary Benefits Commission has discretionary powers which it can apply in cases of dire need.