§ 11. Mr. GILHOOLYasked whether it is part of the duties of the pension officers to attend the meetings of the sub-committee and give any information to them that may be necessary or desirable?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)Attendance at the meetings of the local pension committee or sub-committee is the right, but not the duty, of a pension officer. Provision is made in the Regulations for the information necessary for the determination of claims or questions to be forwarded by the officer, in a written report, but if the committee desire his attendance for a particular purpose, it is the practice for him, if practicable, to comply with their wish.
§ 15. Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say on what ground the pension officer appealed from the decision of the Ballingarry sub-committee, county Limerick, awarding Michael Hallinan, of Rylands, Rathkeale, a pension of 4s. a week; and whether, as Michael Hallinan's age is over seventy years and he has no income but his board and lodging in his son-in-law's house, he can say how it is that the pension officer is not satisfied with the subcommittee's decision?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The pension officer appealed on the ground that Hallinan's means exceeded £31 10s. a year.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYWill the right hon. Gentleman give particulars of how the pension officer made up the income of £31 10s?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will consider whether that can be done. I do not think it is desirable.