HC Deb 29 July 1942 vol 382 cc528-9W
Mr. W. Brown

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government propose to take to meet the following types of cases which have not been brought within the supplementary pension provisions now before the House; widows under 60 years of age in receipt of 10s. widows' pension, plus children's allowances, who, because of their family responsibilities, cannot seek radical readjustment of their lives which a return to single woman's working status implies; widows under 60 years of age who, because of ill-health or long-established domestic environment, are unfitted for return to industry; and persons under 70 years of age not entitled to Contributory Old Age Pension, who, by reason of advancing years or indifferent health, are unable to secure employment?

Sir K. Wood

Such cases as my hon. Friend refers to will no doubt be the subject of consideration in the course of the discussion in the House to-day. Certain provision is already made so that public assistance is given if the means of the persons concerned are inadequate for their support.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the complaints made by old age pensioners regarding the searching inquiries made by the Assistance Board into the amount, kind and state of repair of clothing; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the more tactful methods of the public assistance committees are brought to the notice of the Assistance Board?

Mr. Johnston

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to my hon. Friends the Members for Bedwellty (Sir C. Edwards) and West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 8th and 16th July. The Board inform me that they have no reason to think there is any lack of tact on the part of their officers who are making the inquiry, and they are receiving increasing evidence of pensioners' appreciation of the action taken when its purpose and nature are explained to them.