HC Deb 20 May 1909 vol 5 cc553-4
Mr. HALPIN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can ascertain from the Local Government Board their reasons for disallowing the pension granted to the widow Johanna Keane, of Kilcloher, Cross, Kilkee, county Clare, which pension was granted by the pension committee by appearance and other proofs that the poor woman exceeded the age of 70 years; and whether, having regard to the proof since procured showing by a Census Return that Mrs. Keane is 75 years of age, the Local Government Board will reinstate her case and cause her to be allowed the arrears of pension?

Mr. BIRRELL

The pension officer appealed to the Local Government Board against the allowance of a pension of 5s. by the sub-committee to Mrs. Keane, and the Board disallowed her claim, as they could not find any evidence to show that she had reached the age of 70 years. Her family was found in the Census of 1841, but she was apparently not born then, as her name did not appear among them. It is not open to the Board to reconsider their decision, but if the claimant has obtained facts to disprove the evidence of the Census of 1841, and to show that she has attained the statutory age, it is open to her to make a fresh claim.

Mr. KETTLE

May I ask if all applicants are to be bound by the Census Returns of 1841, in view of their tendency to inaccuracy?

Mr. BIRRELL

They are not bound by them in any shape or way, if the Local Government Board are satisfied by evidence that the claimant has reached the statutory age. In this case they were not satisfied, but if fresh evidence can be produced the applicant has only to make a fresh claim, and the case will be again considered.

Mr. KETTLE

What sort of evidence will be accepted?

Mr. BIRRELL

Obviously there must be some evidence, and not a general statement which cannot be relied upon. I cannot lay down any rule on the point.

Mr. KETTLE

Will they accept the evidence of the sampler who knew this lady in her early years?

Mr. BIRRELL

I can express no opinion about that.

Mr. W. REDMOND

May I ask if in cases like these after the required age has been proved the pension will date back to when the application was originally made?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand not.

Mr. W. REDMOND

It is very hard.