§ 12. Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the families, and particularly pregnant wives, of striking miners are receiving full and proper provision from his Department during the present industrial dispute.
§ Mr. FowlerI am satisfied that families are getting the benefits to which they are entitled.
§ Mr. PikeI am amazed to hear that the Minister is satisfied, because he should be appalled at the treatment given to a young married couple in my constituency. The wife is expecting a baby next month and is receiving £6.45, disregarding the payment for interest on the mortgage. Is the Minister aware that when she went to the social worker at the hospital to ask for assistance for vitamins she was advised that she should eat potato peelings, which she was told contain as many vitamins as an orange? Is the Minister not appalled at such treatment?
§ Mr. FowlerI read that report. The hon. Gentleman will be the first to acknowledge that the complaint he has made is not one that could be made against staff in the DHSS. Before he makes such complaints, he should be frank to the House about that.