§ Mr. Hobsonasked the Minister of National Insurance when Mr. William F. Tyler, 12, Holyrood Gardens, Edgware, will receive his retirement pension on the new scale; and if he will expedite a decision in view of the hardship caused.
§ Mr. SteeleI am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. McKayasked the Minister of National Insurance under what authority G. Morton, Ivy Street, Seaton Burn, Northumberland, an unemployed person drawing benefit through the Assistance Board has had his benefit reduced from 17s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per week on the grounds that his son is at present home on demobilisation leave and is presumed to be contributing to the family income; and how is the calculation made to indicate a profit of 7s. per week.
§ Mr. SteeleThis assessment is made in accordance with the Determination of Needs Act, 1941, and the Unemployment Assistance Regulations, 1943. Under the regulations a non-dependent son living in an applicant's household who is earning 55s. a week or more is treated as making a contribution of 7s. a week towards the rent and overheads for the accommodation which he occupies. If, however, there are any special circumstances in Mr. Morton's case and my hon. Friend will let me have particulars the Board will, I know, be prepared to look into it.