§ MR. KETTLEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can say what steps will be taken by the Local Government Board for Ireland to deal with appeals arising under the Old-Age Pensions Act; and when, and by whom, will these claims be investigated.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board will deal with appeals as they arise, after consideration of the evidence and documents submitted to them by the pension committees and the appellants. If further information is necessary, the Board will obtain it by local investigation through their inspectors, and where questions of law are involved, they will be guided by legal advice.
§ MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)Will the Local Government Hoard itself deal with the appeals, so as to expedite the working of the Act?
§ MR. BIRRELLYes, Sir.