§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will take steps with a view to having an old age pension granted to a woman named Julia M'Cormack, at present an inmate of the Castlerea Workhouse, this being a case in which, though there is no documentary proof, it is exceptionally well known by the people of the entire district where the woman lives that she is far beyond the required limit of age?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the pension officer against the decision of the local pension sub-committee awarding Julia M'Cormack a pension of five shillings a week on the ground that there was not sufficient evidence to show that she had reached the statutory age. The Board are not empowered to reopen the case, but if Julia M'Cormack makes a fresh claim which comes before the Board on appeal, they will send an inspector to visit her before they come to a decision.
Mr. MURRAY MACDONALDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a woman under seventy years of age cannot receive parochial relief if her husband is in receipt of an old age pension; and whether, if so, he would consent to such an alteration of the law as would entitle the wife to come under the care of the parochial authorities?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThere is nothing in the Old Age Pensions Act to prevent the wife of a pensioner from receiving poor relief, but if she receives such relief (not being medical relief) her husband is disqualified for receiving his pension while the receipt of relief by the wife continues. The point is one which is receiving careful consideration in connection with the proposed amending Bill, but I am not yet in a position to make any definite statement on the subject.