asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department has yet fixed the standard of income before public assistance is to be given in Scotland; and whether the old age or other pension is to be part of the calculations?

I assume the hon. Member refers to the proposals for making transitional payments. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Members for Frame (Mr. Gould) and South Shields (Mr. Ede) on 1st October. I understand that the practice of public assistance authorities in Scotland in this respect is broadly the same as that of authorities in England and Wales, as set out in that reply.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it an injustice to Scotland that the law of Scotland should be sought to be changed to bring it into line with that of England? Is it not a great injustice to he inflicted on the poor people of Scotland?

When will the regulations be laid?

They will be laid shortly.