§ Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement as to the regulations now being enforced by the Ministry of Health in respect to the deduction of 8s. from the transitional benefit of any one occupant of a house where paying guests are taken during the summer; and whether he is 766W satisfied that this policy does not unduly penalise those who have considerable difficulties in making both ends meet at seaside resorts?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI assume that the hon. and gallant Member has in mind the effect on transitional payments of the provision of the Unemployment Insurance Acts under which dependants benefit is not payable in respect of a wife or female person who is engaged in any occupation ordinarily carried on for profit. The position is that the amount of transitional payments is limited by the rate of benefit, including dependants benefit, to which the applicant would otherwise be entitled. If he would not be qualified for dependants benefit, it is not within the power of the local authority to assess transitional payments at a figure higher than the rate of ordinary benefit.