§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that an application was made for an old age pension by a man named Armstrong, living in Loughrea, county Galway; whether Armstrong satisfied the pension officer that he was over 70 years of age; and, seeing that the man is an invalid living on a small gratuity given to him weekly by the rector of the parish, will he explain the reasons why this old invalid was excluded from the benefits of the pension?
§ Mr. BIRRELLArmstrong applied for an old age pension, and satisfied the pension officer that he was over 70 years of age, as stated in the question. He made his claim on the 14th January last, and it was stated that his wages had been reduced from the beginning of the year, on the ground that he had been suffering from rheumatism and general infirmity for some time past. On inquiry the Local Government Board ascertained that the 735 claimant had only been temporarily indisposed, and that the amount of his wages (14s. a week and a free house) remained undisturbed, though by a nominal apportionment of the amount he was supposed to receive only 4s. a week (with the free house). He also adds to his income by selling milk, and has money saved bringing in over 1s. a week.