Mr. Whiteleyasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board refuse to make an allowance in the case of a wife separated from her husband although a maintenance order may be in operation, and that such practice places heavy responsibilities upon the public assistance committees; and whether he is prepared to have an inquiry with a view to some adjustment being made?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe board cannot, under the Act, include with the needs of the applicant the needs of a separated wife or any other person who is not a member of his household. As a matter of discretion, however, allowances are normally increased by the requisite sum to enable an applicant to continue to make any remittances to a separated wife which he was, in fact, making when in receipt of unemployment benefit. I am not aware that this policy places any undue burden on Public Assistance Authorities and I do not think there would be any advantage in holding a general inquiry. If, however, the hon. Member has some particular case or cases in mind I will be glad to bring them to the notice of the board.