§ 29. Mr. FREDERICK WHYTEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that cases frequently occur in which aged and infirm persons in receipt of old age pensions are unable to draw any commensurate benefit from their pensions owing to the fact that they are too feeble to look after themselves and have no friends or relatives to tend them, and refuse to enter the poorhouse; and whether he will suggest to the Treasury the advisability of inquiring whether the number of such persons warrants a different form of treatment, and of paying the amount of the pensions in such cases to reputable institutions specially devoted to the care of the aged poor?
Mr. McKINNON WOODA case of the kind described by my hon. Friend has recently been brought to my notice. It is very difficult to ascertain even approximately the number of such persons, as in many instances they are not in receipt of 1467 medical relief and do not appear on the Poor Roll. I am, however, asking further inquiry with a view to ascertaining whether the cases are common, and in the meantime will communicate my hon. Friend's suggestions to the Treasury, which is the responsible Department.
§ Mr. ALDENWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of applying the principle which they have in Denmark?
§ Mr. WHYTECan anything be done apart from legislation, or is it absolutely necessary to have new legislation?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI should like notice of that question. I am not aware of anything that can be done without special legislation.