§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the signature of the Statutory Old-Age Pensions regulations which caused the delay in laying upon the Table of the House the regulations dated 20th August, and stated to have been signed and given under seal on the 20th August, and explained in the Local Government Board circular dated the 21st August; whether the document as signed on the 15th October is to be substituted for that previously issued; and whether it differs from it; and, if so, in what respects.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) I am advised that the requirement of Section 10 (3) of the Old-Age Pensions Act applies only to substantive regulations, 608 and does not apply to draft regulations, such as those signed on the 20th August last, even though they are, as these were, brought into operation forthwith as provisional regulations under the provisions of the Rules Publication Act, 1893. The substantive regulations under the Act were signed on behalf of the Treasury, and I believe also on behalf of the other departments concerned, yesterday, in accordance with the draft, subject to a few small Amendments, for particulars of which I may perhaps refer my right hon. friend to the regulations themselves, which will be circulated early next week.