asked the Minister of National Insurance why Mr. George Hardy, of 33, Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield, Number BA970523, was informed by letter dated 6th January, 1949, that his 1947–48 contribution card showed no contributions paid and 10 credits only, when in fact it was fully stamped up to 3rd May, 1948, and had, between August, 1948, and the end of that year, been lost by the Department at Newcastle; and why Mr. Hardy was not informed in January that his card was missing.

I reget that a mistake was made in this case. Mr. Hardy's contribution record has since been investigated and as a result he will be treated as having a full record for the year 1947–48.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the point is that not only was a false statement made, but a statement was made which the Ministry could not possibly have believed to be true? Will he therefore please explain how this arose?

The clerk in the local office who was dealing with this matter unfortunately gave the wrong impression to Mr. Hardy; but Mr. Hardy was visited by one of our inspectors in January and in February and there was no misapprehension or misunderstanding in his mind as to the actual cause of the delay.

But the Ministry said that Mr. Hardy's card showed no contributions paid. How could they say that when they had lost the card?

I think it must be appreciated that the local offices were working under great strain at this time, and the clerk, unfortunately, worded the message to Mr. Hardy in this way. Mr. Hardy was visited by one of our inspectors in January and in February and he appreciated why the delay occurred.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will alter the regulations for supplementary allowances under National Assistance, to ensure that aged persons living alone shall be assured an income of not less than £2 per week, and married aged couples living together, not less than £3 15s. per week.

Any alteration in the present regulations, which were approved by this House as recently as 16th June last and came into force on 7th July, is a matter in the first instance for the National Assistance Board. The Board inform me that they have recently reviewed the position in the light of representations made to them by deputations including representatives of old age pensions associations, but do not consider that there are grounds at present on which they would be justified in recommending increased rates.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary, at any rate, ask the advisory committee to review this question, because if aged people are taken into the hostels that have to be set up by the local authorities the cost per person in the hostels is approximately £3 per week, and it is silly to imagine that a person for whose maintenance in a hostel £3 is required can manage outside on less than £2 per week?

I understand that this was one of the matters which was discussed when the deputation met the chairman of the Assistance Board.

Can the Minister say how much of the hostel cost is accounted for by the provision of staff?

I am afraid that is another question.