§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it is the practice of some public assistance committees to take into account, in assessing the needs of an applicant, not only the maternity benefit received by the husband by virtue of his own health insurance but the further maternity benefit payable in respect of the wife who is an insured person; and if, in view of the extra cost entailed in cases of confinement, he will call the attention of all public assistance committees with a view to discontinuing this practice?
Sir H. YOUNGIt is the duty of a public assistance authority, subject to any statutory exception, to take into account, on the one hand, all means available from whatever source to an applicant for public assistance, and, on the other hand, any special needs of the case, and, as at present advised, I see no reason to take action such as is suggested in the last part of the question.