HC Deb 15 July 1968 vol 768 cc1020-1
24. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Minister of Social Security on how many occasions, and on what date, a 38-year-old bachelor, whose name has been supplied to her, has obtained supplementary benefit at Bristol, Yeovil, Truro, Bournemouth and Weymouth; what is the total amount he has received; and on how many occasions he has been gainfully employed.

Mr. Pentland

Since 1959, this man has made 47 claims and has received payments of National Assistance or supplementary benefit amounting to £130 14s. in all. Of this sum, £82 3s. has been paid since 27th February, 1968, at the offices named. In spite of a long history of mental disturbance he had a fair work record until the beginning of 1967, since when he has worked for a few weeks in the spring and one day in August of that year.

Mr. King

Is not this case of a man of 38, with no family responsibilities, wandering from resort to resort along the South Coast and living on taxpayers' money, something of an abuse of the generosity of the Minister?

Mr. Pentland

Surely, the hon. Member will be fully aware of this case. The man in question is mentally disturbed. He has had to live rough many times. Indeed, we think that he has always claimed when he has been entitled to do so. Apart from short periods—and this has been when he has been living rough —he has had his full entitlement whenever he has claimed. I might add that the people in our offices have done everything possible for this man.

Mr. Winnick

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us, certainly on this side, consider it somewhat mean and spiteful for this case to be brought to the Floor of the House in view of the mental disturbance from which this person obviously suffers and of which we have now been informed by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary?

Mr. Pentland

I agree with my hon. Friend. I thought, in anticipation of the Question, that the hon. Member for Dorset, South (Mr. Evelyn King) would compliment our officers on what they have done for this man.

Hon. Members: Withdraw.

Mr. King

On a point of order. May I explain, Mr. Speaker, that I asked the office and was not informed of the mental disturbance? Had I been so informed, the Question would not have been put down.