53. Captain BATHURSTasked the Prime Minister whether it is on the authority of the. Government that old age pensions committees in Suffolk and elsewhere are being instructed to reconsider and revise all old age pensions in cases where, owing to lack of agricultural labour, old people are assisting in farming operations 1211 during the War and receiving remuneration for so doing; and, if so, whether he realises that such action will accentuate the already serious difficulties of farmers in cultivating their land and harvesting their crops?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Montagu)In accordance with the undertaking given by the Secretary to the Treasury on the 18th May, 1915, action is not at present being taken for the reduction or revocation of existing old age pensions in consequence of temporary increases of means due to the pensioner's re-employment on account of the shortage of labour arising out of and during the War. If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish particulars of any cases he has in mind I will have inquiry made into the matter.