§ 35. Sir F. Messerasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware of the hardship which blind people and other unemployable handicapped persons who are entirely dependent on National Assistance are suffering; and whether, in the special circumstances of this type of case, he will recommend an increase in the scales of assistance.
§ Mr. PeakeI have been in touch with the National Assistance Board on whom, as the hon. Member knows, responsibility112W for scales of assistance primarily rests. They point out that special rates are already provided for the blind and certain persons suffering from tuberculosis who usually receive some 18s. a week more than the ordinary rate. They inform me they do not think any further provision of this kind is called for.