§ 51. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister whether it is with the knowledge and approval of the Government that old age pension officers in Ireland are opposing, and the Local Government Board for Ireland disallowing, all old age pensions to persons now becoming legally entitled to them; if any inducement as regards salary or promotion for success in so doing this has been offered; whether it will be withdrawn; and whether he will take any 1971 steps to maintain the impartial administration of the Old Age Pensions Acts until Parliament has decided otherwise?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere is no foundation for the suggestions made in the first and second parts of the question. The suggestion that pension officers have a personal interest in opposing the grant of pensions is a scandalous one. The Government will continue, as in the past, to take all necessary steps to maintain the impartial administration of the Old Age Pensions Acts.