HC Deb 30 March 1911 vol 23 c1503
Mr. VINCENT KENNEDY

asked why Lucy Smith, of Drumshinny, Arva, county Cavan, has been refused a pension; is he aware that her husband, who is her junior, is drawing a pension; and will he have the reason for disallowing pensions clearly stated on the form notifying the same in each case.

Mr. BIRRELL

The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal on the ground that Lucy Smith had not reached the statutory age. The Board have no information regarding her husband. The Board's decision is notified on a form prescribed by the regulations which they have no authority to alter, but a claimant or pensioner in whose case an appeal is lodged is always made aware of the ground of appeal.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to promise to introduce legislation this Session to remove the disqualification for an old age pension imposed on British-born women who are the widows of unnaturalised foreigners?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I regret that it is not possible as yet to make any definite statement on this matter.