HC Deb 28 October 1943 vol 393 cc392-3W
Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Health when the task of codification and simplification of regulations by the Assistance Board will be completed and the result made known to this House?

Miss Horsbrugh

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 21st October to my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker).

Lady Apsley

asked the Minister of Health why this year old age pensioners can only get their extra allowance of coal in November instead of October as in past years; and whether, in view of the hardship entailed, they can now receive it without delay?

Mr. E. Brown

Winter additions to supplementary pensions have always been payable from the week beginning with the first Monday in November. There has been no change of practice this year, and the additions will be made in appropriate cases during the week beginning 1st November.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Minister of Health how many widows have been taken over by the Assistance Board under the provisions of the Pensions and Determination of Needs Act, 1943; how many have received increased allowances and to what extent?

Miss Horsbrugh

Up to 24th September, 1943, the latest date for which information is available, supplementary pensions had been granted to 22,192 widows under 60 years of age in Great Britain, of whom 9,451 had been receiving outdoor relief from the Public Assistance Authorities. I regret that information is not available as to the extent of increased allowances in the latter cases.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Minister of Health how many former recipients of supplementary pensions have received benefit by the passing of the Pensions and Determination of Needs Act, 1943; and to what extent?

Miss Horsbrugh

Increases on account of the new treatment of capital and superannuation payments or both were given in 154,044 cases in Great Britain. In 87,831 cases the increases were 2s. or less, in 22,021 2s. 6d. and in 44,192 3s. or more.