§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary if he could say on what grounds the Local Government Board refused, on appeal, to grant Mrs. Bridget Connors, of Duxtown, in the Ballingarry sub-committee district, county Limerick, an old age pension, having regard to the fact that she was 74 years of age, that on the marriage of her son in February, 1909, she gave her holding to him on consideration of £5 a year, and also having regard to the fact that the sub-committee allowed the pension to her?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMrs. Bridget Connors at the time of the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act was in occupation of a good, well-stocked farm of 35 acres of land in county Limerick. In February last she assigned her farm to her son for £30 and an annuity of £5, and upon certain con- 549 ditions as to her maintenance. Four or five days afterwards she claimed a pension on the grounds that her means did not exceed £31 10s. per annum. The pension officer reported against the pension, but the Committee allowed the full amount of 5s. a week. The pension officer appealed, and the Local Government Board upheld the appeal, and disallowed the claim under section 4 (3) of the Old Age Pensions Act.
§ Mr. KETTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman give a Return of these appeals, and the reasons of the Local Government Board for allowing them?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have applied to know if it be possible, and am informed that at present it cannot be done, as it would involve the expenditure of a great deal of time.