§ 62. Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into the circumstances attending the fact that Mrs. Catherine A. Foster, 27, Shaftesbury 2230 Buildings, Oxford Road, Stratford, S.E.15, was granted a pension, No. 21,551,259, dating from 22nd March; and why the arrears due have not been paid?
§ Mr. ElliotWhile Mrs. Foster's claim was being investigated notification was received from the local authority that they proposed to claim from arrears of pension recovery of excess outdoor relief granted to her while the claim was under consideration. Details of the authority's claim were received on 25th May and the balance of the arrears, amounting to £4 10s., has been paid to the pensioner.
§ Mr. GrovesHas that balance been paid since the question was put down?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, the balance has been paid.
§ Mr. Grovessince the question was put down?
§ Mr. ElliotI am afraid I cannot say.
§ 68. Mr. Mathersasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the committee appointed to inquire into the position of unmarried women in relation to pensions will take into account the unmarried woman who has not been a contributor under the Contributory Pensions Acts, but whose circumstances are, in certain cases, even worse than those of spinsters who have had opportunities of contributing?
§ Captain WallaceThe exact scope of the inquiry into spinsters' pensions is a matter for the committee themselves to determine, but it would appear that the point raised in the question would not be outside their terms of reference.
§ Mr. MathersWill the Minister bring his answer to the notice of the committee in order that the inquiry may be a full one, for if the case of these unmarried women is not considered it can only be a partial inquiry?
§ Captain WallaceI do not think I can say any more than that the question is one for the committee. No doubt they will take note of the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister also ask them to consider a higher pension than is paid at the present time?