HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 c60W
29. Mr. Roy Jenkins

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he has yet found a means of paying a guardian's allowance to the grandparents of the boy John Donohoe, who are solely responsible for his upbringing.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

On 6th July a Commissioner's decision was given that the statutory condition for payment of a guardian's allowance to his grandparents in respect of this boy were not satisfied. I have therefore no power to pay it.

The position disclosed by this case is not in my view satisfactory. I am, however, expecting shortly a report from the National Insurance Advisory Committee which may contain recommendations covering this subject, and I must await that report.

In respect of this particular case it has been possible to arrange for some help for the grandparents from other sources, and further proposals have been made which, unfortunately, do not appear to have been acceptable to them. I have written to the hon. Member about these matters.