§ Mr. Oldfieldasked the Minister of Health to what extent public assistance authorities are disregarding the first £1 of any wounds or disability pension awarded to men and women of civilian status who become disabled as a result of war service or enemy action; and will he take steps to ensure a uniform procedure by all authorities?
§ Mr. E. BrownA public assistance authority in granting outdoor relief is required by the Poor Law Acts to disregard any wounds or disability pension to which section 16 of the Finance Act, 1919, applies except so far as it exceeds £1 a week. The authority is neither required nor entitled to disregard the whole or part of any other pension. I am not aware that there is a lack of uniformity in the treatment of pensions by public assistance authorities but if my hon. Friend has in mind any particular authority which appears to be acting contrary to the statute I will make inquiries.