§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked what is the estimated increase of charge upon the Exchequer in consequence of the qualification for the receipt of an old age pension of 5s. a week under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, being increased from £21 to £42 in all cases where one of an old married couple is without any means whatever?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThere is no reliable material as yet for forming an estimate of the additional cost entailed by Section 2 (2) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs it not a fact that it is likely to entail an increased charge upon the Exchequer of at least 20 per cent.?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI have informed the hon. Member that we have no reliable information, therefore I cannot answer that question.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, under Section 2 (2) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, an old man can, with an annual income of from £31 10s. to £42, and in the event of his wife being without means, obtain for his wife and himself pensions amounting together to 10s. per week, but that if his wife dies he becomes disentitled to any pension whatever; and, if so, whether he proposes by an amending Bill to remedy this state of affairs?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe effect of the present law is as stated in the question, and I see no ground for amending it in the manner suggested.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that under this new Old Age Pensions Act a male pensioner, although he may have a large family, upon the death of his wife, loses not merely his wife's pension but his own pension as well? Does he think that fair?
Mr. McKINNON WOODIf he has the amount which is put in the Act as income I do not see any unfairness.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether public notification has been made of the provisions of Section 2 (2) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, now in operation, whereby in the absence of means in the case of one of an old married couple the other becomes entitled to the full 5s. pension if his annual 862 income does not exceed £42; or how otherwise has this extension of State pensions been made known to the large number of persons now for the first time entitled to them under the above provisions?
Mr. McKINNON WOODNo public notice has been issued by the Government as to the provisions of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911. The provisions of Section 2 (2) of the Act have, however, been widely advertised by the Press, and I have no reason to suppose that they are not well known to those persons who are entitled to benefit by them.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the experience of Old Age Pension Committees that there is considerable ignorance prevailing amongst persons who are entitled to pensions as to their rights under the new Act?
Mr. McKINNON WOODIf the hon. Member can give mo accurate information, on that point it will be considered.