HC Deb 23 November 1908 vol 196 c1783
MR. CARLILE

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether a man, aged eighty-five years, who is without any means, but is living with and supported by his son, is rightly refused by the local pensions committee an old-age pension under the new Act, on the ground that the equivalent of the board and lodging given by the son, which he is under no obligation to furnish, exceeds in amount the sum of twelve shillings a week.

MR. JOHN BURNS

If the value of the board and lodging given to the old man can be fairly taken as exceeding £31 10s. per annum the local pension committee would seem to be right in refusing him a pension.

MR. CARLILE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a working man supporting his father would be only receiving ordinary wages?

* MR. JOHN BURNS

All these facts have been laid before the Law Officers.

MR. CARLILE

Are we to understand it is proposed to put a premium on turning old people out of their homes to be supported by charity?

[No Answer was returned.]