HC Deb 23 August 1909 vol 9 cc1763-4
Sir GILBERT PARKER

asked whether Eliza Callaway, aged 78, of Perry Street, Gravesend, was ineligible for an old age pension because her two sons used the agency of the local relieving officer to pay her 4s. a week which they remitted to him for her support; and whether, in view of the interpretation placed upon the Old Age Pensions Act that this money paid by her sons through the local relieving officer disqualified her from a pension, he proposed to take any action in the case?

Mr. FULLER

On inquiry into the facts of this case it appears that relief is paid out of Poor Law funds in the ordinary way and repayment obtained from the claimant's sons. Repayment of relief does not remove the disqualification incurred by the receipt of relief, and my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, regrets that he is unable to take any action in the case.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Is not it the case that the sons instructed the relieving officer to pay this amount and the relieving officer acted simply as the agent for the sons and on their behalf?

Mr. FULLER

I will make inquiries into that. The Chancellor of the Exchequer asked me to state for him that he is unable to take any action in this case.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

I will put down the question again.