§ 7. Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked what decision has been come to by the Local Government Board as regards the applications for old age pensions by Daniel Farrell, Newtown, and Bernard Mahon, Edgeworthstown, both of whose claims were passed by the local pensions committees and appealed against by the local pension officer?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo decision has yet been given in these cases.
§ 11. Mr. PATRICK MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that, on the hearing by the Local Government Board of an appeal by a pension officer against the granting of an old age pension by a pension committee, no evidence, either oral or by affidavit, is received on behalf of the claimant beyond what is contained in the claim form; if he is aware that such appeals are decided on the report of the pension officer or inspector without an opportunity being afforded the claimant of putting his case properly before the Local Government Board; and if he will take such steps as will in future secure the fullest facilities to claimants for presenting their cases to the Local Government Board on the hearing of such appeals?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. It is not the case that no evidence is received by the Local Government Board on behalf of claimants beyond what was contained in the claim form. Before determining appeals it is the invariable practice of the Board to communicate with claimants and to request them to submit whatever evidence they have in support of their claims. All steps that are necessary for a proper decision in each case are taken by the Board.
§ Mr. PATRICK MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Local Government Board, in the case of Michael 2083 Ryan, a Queens' County claimant, would not receive affidavits or oral evidence but sent down an inspector and decided the appeal on his report.
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board refuse to accept anything which is not evidence, and it does not follow because a statement is made that it is evidence.