HC Deb 12 November 1908 vol 196 cc541-2
MR. SUMMERBELL (Sunderland)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the receipt of poor relief by a husband during the present year disqualifies the wife, who is otherwise fully qualified to receive a pension, from receiving a pension.

Mr. NICHOLLS (Northamptonshire, N.)

At the same time may I ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the position under the Old-Age Pensions Act of an aged couple over the age of seventy years who have received out-relief from the Poor Law, which does not recognise the wife's claim to its assistance so long as the husband lives; and whether the wife can claim a pension under the Pensions Act.

MR. JOHN BURNS

I am taking the opinion of the law officers with respect to the point raised in this Question, so that at the moment a definite reply cannot be given to it.