HC Deb 06 May 1909 vol 4 cc1196-7
Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can say whether the Government intend, by legislation or otherwise, to compensate Irish pension claimants the grant of whose pensions is unduly delayed through the time occupied in making search in the Census Office for proof of age, and particularly at present when, owing to the precedence that has for months been given the special search in the interests of the Treasury for the age of the existing pensioners, prospective pensioners whose claims have been pending for months are enduring financial loss; and whether, as no similar case can arise in Great Britain, will the Government so amend the law as to make pensions granted in Ireland with which search for proof of age has to be made in the Census Office accrue from the first Friday following the next meeting of the committee after the claim has been made?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

Proof of age lies upon the claimant, and it is open to him to obtain that proof direct from the Census Office upon payment of the usual fee. I am not aware that precedence has been given by pension officers to inquiries respecting pensions already granted, and in this connection I may refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Kilkenny on 21st ultimo. I regret that I cannot accept the hon. Member's suggestion in regard to fresh legislation.

Mr. O'DOWD

Is the basis of the grant of pensions laid down in the census of 1841 binding?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

Perhaps the hon. Member would put down a question on that point.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

If I can prove that delay has occurred to pensioners in the manner described, which is so according to my information, will he see that those pensioners get their pensions from the time they made application?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

That question has been put repeatedly to me not merely by Members from Ireland, but from other parts of the United Kingdom, and it has been repeatedly pointed out that it is quite impossible to do what is asked. The payments can only be made from the time the grant is made according to the rules of the Act.