HC Deb 28 February 1910 vol 14 cc572-3
Mr. KERR-SMILEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to introduce legislation during the present Session to remove from applicants for old age pensions the disqualification arising from receipt of Poor Law relief?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd-George)

I hope to introduce legislation dealing with this matter. I may remind the hon. Member that in any case the disqualification automatically ceases to operate after the close of the current year.

Mr. D. A. THOMAS

asked the Prime Minister whether a Bill to amend the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, in the direction of removing the pauper disqualification, and of omitting the benefit received by any applicant for a pension from a friendly society or trade union when estimating his income, would be regarded by the Government as controversial; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of introducing such a measure at an early date?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as he has just stated in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Antrim, hopes to introduce legislation dealing with the pauper disqualification for old age pensions, which, I may remind my hon. Friend, automatically ceases to operate after the close of the current year. It is not proposed to introduce further amending legislation this Session.