§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will make an ex gratia payment to all who are receiving National Insurance benefits during the Christmas and New Year periods.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo. I have no power to do this.
§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what proposals he has received from the National Assistance Board for making increased assistance grants to all who are receiving assistance during the Christmas and New Year period.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNone. The Board have, of course, no power to do this.