HC Deb 10 May 1911 vol 25 cc1207-8
Mr. BOLAND

asked whether Mrs. Anne Sullivan, Ballard, Emlaghmore, was in receipt of poor relief for ten years previous to January, 1911, and that the records of the Poor Law authorities show that she has now attained the age of seventy-six years; and whether, in view of the further evidence she has submitted, the Local Government Board is entitled to refuse her claim to an old age pension on the sole ground that her age cannot be traced in the Census records?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

The relieving officers of the district stated that Mrs. Anne Sullivan was seventy-six years of age according to the workhouse books, and had been in receipt of relief for some years. The workhouse records, however, cannot be accepted as trustworthy evidence of age, and the statements of belief by aged persons which Mrs. Sullivan submitted did not satisfy the Local Government Board that she had reached the statutory age. Her claim was not refused on the sole ground that her age could not be found in the Census returns, but because no adequate evidence was submitted that she had attained the age of seventy years.

Mr. MORRELL

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the case of Margaret Miles, of Burnley, who applied for a pension in January last, but whose application after being passed by the committee was disallowed by the pensions officer; whether, in consequence of the report of the pensions officer, the Local Government Board asked for further evidence as to age, which evidence was sent to them nearly two months ago; and whether any reply has yet been sent?

Mr. BURNS

My attention has been called to the case referred to. No sufficient evidence of age has been produced by the claimant. I have recently caused further search to be made in the General-Register Office for an entry relating to the birth of the claimant, but I regret to say without success.

Mr. MORRELL

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is still prepared to consider this case?

Mr. BURNS

The hon. Member may put it even more generously than that. We have considered it. We have had two special searches made with regard to this lady's age by the Registrar-General, and we have taken every reasonable step we could to give this pension, but the facts are against her.

Mr. MORRELL

Do I understand that the case is closed against her?

Mr. BURNS

No, I did not say the case is closed against her. I said the facts were against her.