§ 56. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the amount given in non-repayable grants to old-age pensioners for clothing in 1951, 1952, 1953, and 1954 by the National Assistance Board.
§ Mr. PeakeI am informed by the National Assistance Board that separate figures regarding clothing grants for pensioners are not available.
§ 57. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what amount has been distributed to those on National Assistance in the form of non repayable clothing grants, including blankets and similar articles for 1951, 1952, 1953, and 1954, respectively.
§ Mr. PeakeThe available figures are in the following table:
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LUMP SUM GRANTS OF NATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO MEET EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS OF CLOTHING AND IN LESS DEGREE BEDDING, ETC. Year Approximate total amount 1951 … … … … £580,000 1952 … … … … £650,000 1953 … … … … £530,000 1954 … … … … £570,000 In addition to grants in cash, blankets have been issued in this period to an approximate average annual value of£12,000.
§ 58. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware of the dissatisfaction amongst pensioners on the National Assistance scales at the increase of 2s. 6d. in their allowances; and if he will supplement this by clothing grants, non-repayable.
§ Mr. PeakeThe improved rates of Assistance do more than maintain the purchasing power of past rates, and I am not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion for supplementary grants to all pensioners. The National Assistance Board will of course continue their existing practice of making clothing grants in cases of exceptional need.