§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to reply to the representations made to him by the National Conference of Friendly Societies concerning Section 48 of the Poor Law Act, 1930, in which attention was drawn to the wrongful action taken by the London County Council whereby members of friendly societies had been having their sickness benefit wholly included when incomes were being assessed, or the needs tests 494W being applied, in respect of applications received by that body for public assistance; and whether he now proposes, as a result of what transpired in London, to issue a special instruction on the subject to all public assistance committees?
Sir H. YOUNGI have now received further legal advice in regard to the proper interpretation of Section 48 of the Poor Law Act, 1930, and I propose to communicate the effect of that advice to public assistance authorities at an early date, and to furnish the National Conference with a copy of the circular to be issued.