§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a British subject over seventy years of age who has resided in England for his or her lifetime, with the exception of twelve months spent in a foreign country, is prevented from receiving an old age pension; and if action will be taken should any cases of hardship be brought to his notice?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTH (Lord of the Treasury)Such a case could only arise if the person in question had no home in the United Kingdom during his absence abroad. Some hard cases of this kind have been brought to my notice, and the provisions of the Act under which they arise will be considered with a view to meeting them when the proposed amending Bill is introduced.
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThat rests with my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, and also by leave of the House.
§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a petition signed by 8,000 inhabitants of the Isle of Man on the subject of old age pensions and asking him to receive a deputation; and, if so, is he now in a position to give his reply?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)I have received a petition from the Joint Labour Associations of the Isle of Man and other residents, stated to number 8,000 adults, praying that the Imperial Parliament will be pleased to apply the Old Age Pensions Act of 1908 to the island. The provision of old age pensions for the islanders is a matter within the competence of the Insular Legislature, as is also the provision of the necessary funds for their payment. I am informed that measures for the increase of the Insular Revenue are now before Tynwald. I do not think any useful purpose would be served by my receiving a deputation. As the hon. Member is aware, a Committee is about to proceed to Man which will consider, among other matters, the financial administration of the island.