§ Mr. DAWESasked whether it is considered that Section 5 (b) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, is retrospective; and, if not, whether he will give instructions for the payment of pension warrants payable before 18th August, 1911, although not presented within three months?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Statute precludes the payment of orders presented on or after 18th August, 1911, which are more than three months overdue. In these circumstances the second part of the question does not arise.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked at what sum the Local Government Board for Ireland estimated the annual value of a room, clothing, and maintenance of an old woman in the country; and whether the Board would allow an old age pension to Mrs. Bridget Gilsenan, of Simonstown, Coole, who was over seventy?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)No hard and fast rule can be applied to these cases, as each case must be dealt with on its merits, having regard to the circumstances of the person or persons from whom the maintenance is 1101 derived. Mrs. Gilsenan's claim was disallowed by the Local Government Board on appeal in January last, and the Board have no power to reopen the case.
§ Mr. GINNELLOn what ground was the pension refused?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOn the ground that, having regard to the value of the accommodation supplied to her, she was not entitled to a pension.