§ 72. Sir JOHN SPEARasked the number of old age pensioners residing in workhouses and other Poor Law establishments in England and Wales on the 4th of January, 1913?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISThe Returns show that there were on the date in question 2,847 old age pensioners in workhouses and other Poor Law establishments in England and Wales who were receiving relief which did not disqualify for an old age pension—i.e., medical or surgical assistance only.
§ 80. Mr. O'DOWDasked whether the refusal of the Local Government Board to sanction the granting of an old age pension to Peter Dowd, of Rover, Bally-farnon (No. 2) sub-committee district, county Sligo, because his name could not be found on the Census Returns of 1841 or 1851, debars the applicant from the benefits of the Act for all future time, and, if not, can the Chief Secretary say what tribunal is competent to decide the question as to when he is to receive his pension; and whether, in view of the fact that two old age pensioners have sworn affidavits to the effect that this man is seventy-two years of age, his case, owing to the evidence supporting it, will be reconsidered?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board cannot reconsider their previous decision, but it is open to Dowd to make a fresh claim whenever he considers that he has satisfactory evidence to show that he has reached the statutory age.