Captain A. Evansasked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to publish regular statistics during the winter months showing the number of cases of special hardship which have been helped by the public assistance committees; and whether, in that case, he will give specific details with regard to the action of all such authorities in South Wales?
§ Mr. E. BrownI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to cases dealt 2287W with by the Unemployment Assistance Board under the recent Instruction relating to increase in prices and the approach of winter. I understand from the Board that statistics will be available in due course, and that consideration will be given to their presentation on some local basis.
§ Mr. Leslieasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board in Durham is treating an unemployed son living at home with his parents as a third adult, and granting him only 10s. a week even where the parents are receiving outdoor relief; and why this differentiation is made between an unemployed son and an unemployed lodger who is allowed 15s. a week?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe Unemployment Assistance Regulations distinguish between a person living as a member of a household and a person living alone or in lodgings. The Unemployment Assistance Board observe this distinction in assessing an applicant's needs, but always subject to adjustment to meet any special circumstances.