asked the Minister of National Insurance whether she is aware of the hardships now suffered by old people as a result of the recent increases in price of necessities, such as coal, blankets, clothing and shoe repairs; and whether, as a matter of urgency, she will increase the scale of the supplementary allowances and pensions for old people and amend her regulations to allow a greater discretion to officers of the National Assistance Board in individual cases of special hardship and need.

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have given today to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Browne), and, as regards the second part, to the reply given to the same Member on 28th November last, of which I am sending him a copy.