§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary whether in an old age pension case in which the applicant has always resided in the same district and yet does not appear in the Census Returns, and there is no baptismal register, and the local pension committee, satisfied that the applicant is over 70 years of age, grant a pension of 5s. a week, and the evidence of age is not refuted before the Local Government Board, and the Board disallows the claim solely for lack of proof of age, the Board rules that the incorrectness of the Census Returns shall deprive of a pension a person otherwise entitled; and, if not, will he say what kind of evidence the Board requires in the circumstances stated?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have no power to award a pension unless there is evidence of statutory age, and they have been advised that the onus of proof rests with the claimant. The Board give full consideration to any reasons assigned by a committee for believing a claimant to have attained the statutory age, and are glad to accept these reasons when it is possible to do so. In many cases, however, no valid reasons are 1008 given in support of the committee's opinion, and in such cases the Board cannot grant a pension in the absence of evidence from the claimant himself. As regards the last paragraph of the question, the Board consider any kind of evidence they can get, and do not lay down any rule on the subject.
§ Mr. GINNELLWould the applicant in such a case in Ireland be called upon by an inspector of the Board as in this country?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not think there is any difference in the practice of the two countries.
§ Mr. MOONEYIs it not a fact that the majority of pensions refused in Ireland have been refused because the applicant's name cannot be found in the Census Return, and is it not also a fact that the Census Return for one town omits the principal street of the place?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, the Local Government Board in Ireland do not regard the Census Return other than as a factor in the case, and any other evidence of a satisfactory character is received by them.
§ Mr. GINNELLIf the evidence in a case is evenly balanced, will the right hon. Gentleman have an inspector of the Board call upon the applicant as is done in this country?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThat course is open to the Board as it is in England if they think it is desirable.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill they do it in this case?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know whether in this case they think it necessary.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked whether the Local Government Board for Ireland, before finally disallowing the pension of 5s. a week granted by the local committee to Peter Bennett, of Delvin, will consent to see and hear the applicant himself, and then judge for themselves?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have already informed the hon. Member in reply to the question asked by him on the 20th instant that this case has been finally decided by the Local Government Board.