§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now increase the needs allowance given to retirement pensioners who apply for rent and rate rebates after 22nd July.
§ Mr. William RossIncreases in pensions due from 22nd July are being disregarded in calculating rebates and allowances for those already receiving them, or who had applied for them, before that date. This is a temporary expedient, pending an increase in the general level of needs allowances, which is now being actively considered. To extend the application period would create serious administrative problems.