§ Captain Prescottasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that only the first five shillings of sick benefit is disregarded in assessing supplementary pensions of old age pensioners; and if he will extend this disregard.
§ Miss HorsbrughIf, as I assume, my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to friendly society sick pay the answer to the first part of his Question is "Yes, Sir." It would require legislation to alter this position, and my right hon. Friend cannot undertake to deal with this particular kind of income in advance of the general consideration of the provisions relating to "disregards" referred to in the White Paper on Social Insurance.