§ 85. Mr. O'DOHERTYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds an old age pension to Owen Crampsey, of Ballyhillion, Malin Head, county Donegal, has been refused by the Local Government Board; on what basis has the pension officer arrived at the alleged income of £31 10s.; whether he is aware that the applicant's farm consists only of 6 acres of very inferior land on the sea coast, the rent being £2 15s.; whether he is aware that the applicant has to pay for the labour thereof, being unable at his age to do all the work himself; and whether he will take steps to have the Local Government Board reconsider their decision or depute a person to inquire into the facts?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 21st July last. The farm, which is a well-tilled one, contains upwards of 14 acres, and not 6 acres, as stated in the question. The Local Government Board are not aware that the claimant has to pay for labour or that he is himself unable to work the farm. His last claim was decided on the 12th instant, and the Board have no power to reopen the case.