HC Deb 05 November 1912 vol 43 cc1019-20
59. Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Secretary to the Treasury when and by whom orders have been given to the pension officers of county Longford to object to persons in receipt of pensions for three years in that county; whether this is being done by order of the Treasury or in pursuance of any directions issued specially to Irish officers; and will he direct that the cases objected to be examined into by a special Local Government Board official?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As regards the first two parts of the question, I will refer the hon. Member to my answer to his previous question of the 22nd October. As regards the third part, I have no authority to give directions to the Local Government Board as to the steps to be taken in reference to cases brought before them on appeal.

Mr. FARRELL

Am I to understand from that reply that the right, hon. Gentleman's Department does not interfere with this matter at all?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No. I am informed that no special order has been given.

Mr. FARRELL

Speaking generally, does the Department interfere with decisions, or correct decisions of the Local Government Board for Ireland?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not think we have anything to do with the Local Government Board in Ireland. It is the pension officers we have to deal with.