§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there has been any alteration in the interpretation of the SBC of Section 4 of the Social Security Act 1966.
§ Mr. MeacherI assume my hon. Friend has in mind Schedule 4 of the Supplementary Benefit Act, 1966, under paragraph 5 of which the Supplementary Benefits Commission is empowered to make contributions to the funds of voluntary organisations maintaining projects514W whose functions are similar to those of the Commission's own reception or re-establishment centres. Last year the Commission reviewed its policy in respect of grants made under Schedule 4 and concluded that no substantial alteration was called for, but that a change of emphasis was desirable so as to enable the limited funds available to be used more effectively. In particular it considered greater encouragement should be given to unsettled people, when they were without means, to seek the help of the social security system in order to accept responsibility for meeting the cost of their food and shelter.