§ Mr. FRANCIS MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, owing to a mistake in the address of Michael Gallagher, of Leckaun, Drumkeerin, county Leitrim, he was deprived of his old age pension, and whether, having regard to the fact that Gallagher produced convincing evidence 216 before the local sub-comittee, including himself in person and a certificate from the Census Office, on the strength of which he was again granted a pension, the Local Government Board will reconsider his claim and award him all arrears due?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. Michael Gallagher was not deprived of his pension owing to a mistake in his address. His pension was discontinued on a question raised by the pension officer that he had not reached the statutory age. The Local Government Board have no power to reopen the case.