§ 90. Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what instructions he has given to the National Assistance Board to make extraordinary payments to retirement pensioners who have difficulty in paying large heating bills increased during the recent period of exceptionally cold weather.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonI understand that the Board has asked its local officers to be especially alert to recognise cases of hardship among pensioners eligible for National Assistance arising from the severe weather. The Board needs no instructions from me to use its powers for the relief of special hardship in appropriate cases.
91. Mr. Tourneyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why National Assistance benefit was refused, from 21st August, 1962 onwards, to Mr. K. Rosser, 46, Denham House, London, W.12.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThis is a matter for the National Assistance Board, but I understand that Mr. Rosser's grant was withdrawn in August, 1962, after due warning because he was unwilling to take any of the recommended training courses designed to fit him for full-time employment. He has since changed his mind and the Assistance grant has been restored.