§ 42 and 43. Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) whether she will take steps to ensure that persons in receipt of National Assistance who become short-term patients in mental hospitals do not cease to receive such assistance;
(2) if she will take steps to see that persons who receive National Assistance for rent purposes only do not cease to receive such assistance when they become short-term patients in mental hospitals.
§ Miss HerbisonNational Assistance allowances are paid to meet needs and I can assure the hon. Member that National Assistance recipients who become short-term patients in mental hospitals will continue to receive assistance 9W where they need assistance to enable them to make provision for their families or for continuing commitments such as rent and the retention of lodgings. An allowance for personal expenses within the hospital is made in addition, where necessary, by the hospital authorities.