MR. T. F. RICHARDSI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether it was his intention when moving the Old-Age Pensions Bill to exclude from its provisions those persons who were costing the guardians nothing, only the cost of collection or 702 distribution of moneys paid them for the dependants of certain persons, and whether he will take any action whereby the pension committees shall be empowered to include these as genuine applicants for pensions.
§ MR. ASQUITHThe persons referred to are applicants for and recipients of poor law relief, and the disqualification was intended to be attached to the receipt of poor relief as such. It is not affected by the question whether the amount so received is a final charge against the rates or is recovered from a person or persons legally responsible for the maintenance of the pauper. The disqualification in these cases could be removed only by legislation.
§ MR. CROOKSMay I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that the relief is frequently not given to the applicants until it is received from the relatives, and there is therefore no actual charge on the rates?
§ MR. ASQUITHI will look into the matter.