HC Deb 02 April 1946 vol 421 c190W
158. Mr. Ewart

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will introduce legislation to increase the first 20S. statutory disregard under the Assistance Board allowances to 23S. o permit pensioners to enjoy the full effect of the recent increases under the Royal Warrant.

Mr. Lindģren:

The disregarding of specific items of income in the assessment of need is a matter which must be considered as a whole and my right hon. Friend could not undertake to deal with this particular item in isolation. I would, however, point out that in so far as a disability pension remains after the recent increase below £1 the pensioner will enjoy the full benefit of the increase under the existing law in the assessment of his need.

Mr. D. Jones

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will introduce legislation to increase the allowances payable by the Assistance Board, to enable disabled pensioners who have to apply to the board for supplementation of their income, to have the benefit of the increases provided by the new Royal Warrant, instead of as at present, the increases passing to the funds of the Assistance Board.

Mr. Lindģren:

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given above to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. Ewart)