* * * * All parties are beginning to be
concerned about the rising cost of living. Last week, at the close of the old session, Mr. Ernest Brown was asked whether any increase was intended in the scale of allowances paid by the Unemployment Assistance Board. He replied that the Board had decided to issue instructions authorising their officers to deal with any cases of hardship arising out of the change in the price of commodities. This announcement appears to mice a serious issue. The scales to be paid are laid down in Regula- tions which must be confirmed by both Houses. The Board's officers are given powers to deal with special or exceptional circumstances. How such a provision can be stretched to cover a need that is common to all those under the Board's jurisdiction is difficult to see. Surely, if a change is thought to be necessary, the right course would be to issue fresh regulations.
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