HC Deb 02 November 1908 vol 195 c787
*MR. HERBERT (Buckinghamshire, Wycombe)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in cases of claims to old-age pensions referred to his Department, in which the right of the claimant to a pension, or to a pension according to a particular scale, depends on whether furniture to the extent of £30 belonging to the claimant is or is not taken into account, he will decide such claims according to the provisions of the Old-Age Pensions Act, which require such furniture to be taken into account, or according to the instructions issued to pension officers, which require them not to take such furniture into account.

MR. JOHN BURNS

I shall endeavour to carry out the duties entrusted to me to the best of my ability, but I cannot undertake to say before-hand in what manner appeals to me will be decided.

*MR. HERBERT

Would it not be convenient to make public the information for the benefit of pension officers and pension committees, so that their action might be guided by it?

MR. JOHN BURNS

Seven or eight doubtful points are at present before the Law Officers, and I think it would be premature to make any statement.

MR. HAROLD COX

Will the right hon. Gentleman follow the advice of the Law Officers in this matter?

MR. JOHN BURNS

Yes, of course, tempered by humanity and common sense.

MR. HAROLD COX

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that his construction of what is humanity is to override an Act of Parliament?

MR. JOHN BURNS

I think the Law Officers and myself could agree on all three points.

MR. CROOKS

Is furniture to be taken as part of the income?

MR. JOHN BURNS

It depends on whose furniture it is.