asked the Minister of National Insurance on what date she last received representations from the National Assistance Board that their scale rates should be raised; and whether she is satisfied that the present scale rates are adequate, in view of the increased cost of living.

The answer to the first part of the Question is 17th April, 1950, when the Board submitted to my right hon. Friend the draft of the Regulations which came into force on 12th June. Any question of the adequacy of the rates prescribed in those Regulations is a matter in the first instance for the Board, and I do not think it would be proper for me to express any opinion on it.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what representations have been made to her by the National Assistance Board for an increase in the scale rates for national assistance to bring them into line with the new rates of retiral pensions.

My right hon. Friend has not received any representations from the National Assistance Board on this subject.