§ Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet called a meeting of public assistance representatives in Scotland with a view to deciding on a uniform rate of assistance for those who live in Glasgow and whose claims are paid by outside parishes?
Mr. W. ADAMSONIt is presumed that the question is intended to refer to the undertaking which was given in the course of the Debate on the Department240W of Health Vote last year. The purpose of the meeting now suggested is quite a different one from that contained in that undertaking. The question of uniformity of rates of assistance for all poor persons resident in Glasgow and chargeable to other authorities affects many Poor Law authorities in Scotland, and it is doubtful whether a meeting of these authorities would serve any useful purpose. Within the powers available to them the Department and their general inspectors endeavour as far as possible to secure the uniformity which my hon. Friend desires. I may remind him that if any poor person in receipt of relief in Glasgow is dissatisfied with the relief given he has a right of appeal to the Department.
§ Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is prepared to issue a general circular to public assistance committees authorising the increase of allowances to unemployed sons and daughters living with unemployed parents above the rates at present operating?
Mr. ADAMSONI have no power to take such a step as is suggested by my hon. Friend, as allowances paid by Poor Law authorities are matters primarily within their discretion. If, however, in any particular case the amount of relief paid is considered to be inadequate, the applicant has the right to submit a statutory complaint to the Department of Health for Scotland.