HC Deb 24 July 1961 vol 645 cc12-3W
74. Mr. Hannan

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, how the present National Assistance scale rate for husband and wife, both of whom are blind persons, compares in terms of 1948 prices with the same scale rate as at 5th July, 1948.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The rate now in force is equivalent, calculated back in terms of prices in July, 1948, as requested by the hon. Member, to 78s. 4d., which compares with a rate of 65s. in force at that time.

75. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how the present value of the National Assistance scale rate for a husband and wife, one of whom is a blind person, compares in terms of 1948 prices with the same scale in July, 1948.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The rate now in force is equivalent, calculated back in terms of prices in July, 1948, as requested by the hon. Member, to 69s. 2d., which compares with a rate of 55s. in force at that time.

76. Mr. Small

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how the present value of the National Assistance scale rate for a husband and wife compares in terms of 1948 prices with the same scale rate in July, 1948.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The rate now in force is equivalent, calculated back in terms of prices in July, 1948, as requested by the hon. Member, to 55s. 4d., which compares with a rate of 40s. in force at that time.