HC Deb 06 November 1973 vol 863 c143W
8. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation in the present Session to extend, in certain cases, a local authority's power to give assistance in cash in an emergency to individuals in welfare need.

Mr. Dean

The extension of a local authority's powers to provide assistance in cash presents certain difficulties, and I can offer no prospect of legislation in the present Session. Responsibility for providing emergency assistance is accepted by the Supplementary Benefits Commission, which has arranged a service to meet emergencies arising outside the normal working hours.