§ 84. Sir J. D. REESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether cases have come to his knowledge in which parents have made over their property to their children in order to qualify for, and have received, old age pensions; and, if so, what steps he has taken to safeguard the taxpayers' interests in the proper administration of the law?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGESection 4 (3) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, provides that if any person deprives himself of income or property in order to qualify for an old age pension the income or yearly value of such property must still be reckoned as part of the means of that person for the purpose of determining his title to a pension. I should add that action is frequently taken in such cases. If the hon. Member will furnish me with 38 particulars of any cases in which pensions have been granted in contravention of this provision, I will make inquiries.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these cases are not uncommon in rural districts?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEWe should be very grateful for any information that would enable us to inquire into them.