HC Deb 28 April 1913 vol 52 cc793-4
39. Mr. ALAN SYKES

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is prepared to furnish local pension committees with information as to the deaths of old age pensioners; and whether he can furnish them with notification of all removals in order that their registers may contain all the necessary information with regard to pensioners in their districts?

Mr. MASTERMAN

My right hon Friend has asked me to answer this; I understand that these particulars are not required by committees for the performance of any of the duties imposed upon them by the Old Age Pensions Acts or Regulations, and in view of the increased labour which would fall on the pension officers if such information was given I am not, as at present advised, prepared to furnish it.

65. Mr. BOLAND

asked whether Jeremiah Shea, of Rossmore, Tahilla, near Sneem, conveyed his farm to his son on the latter's marriage, on 17th February, 1911; that his wife died on 6th October, 1912; that the pension officer who examined and investigated the case recommended that he should be granted a pension of 3s.; and can he state whether it was on the estimate submitted by this pension officer, or by the officer who succeeded him in the district, that this old man has been deprived of his pension?

Mr. BIRRELL

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question, but the Local Government Board do not know what pension officers, have been dealing with the case from time to time, as these officers are not under their control.

Mr. BOLAND

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry as to who the pension officers were as it goes to the root of the whole matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

To oblige the hon. Member I will, but I am very adverse to doing so.

66. Mr. BOLAND

asked whether Peter H. Shea, Shanacashel, Glencar, was refused an old age pension, on appeal by the pension officer, on the ground of excessive means; that he holds only the fourth part of the farm, which was conveyed to his son on the latter's marriage two and a-half years ago; and whether, in view of the fact that his son was then thirty-eight years of age and that the usual custom of the country which had been in operation long before the Old Age Pension Act came into existence was followed in this case, he will state what steps will be taken to secure a pension to this claimant?

Mr. BIRRELL

This case is at present under consideration by the Local Government Board, and all the circumstances will be duly considered before the claim is determined.