§ 84. Mr. FFRENCHasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that many old age pensioners have been driven to seek relief in the Wexford Workhouse Infirmary owing to the increase in the price of the necessaries of life and have freely given their pensions as part payment for their support; and, seeing that the pension officer is raising questions apparently with a view to deprive these people of their pensions, will he, by legislation, or otherwise, restrain such action on the part of pension officers?
Mr. McKINNON WOODMy attention had not previously been called to the facts alleged in the first part of the question. I do not think that a case has been made out for amending the Old Age Pensions Acts in the manner suggested in the second part of the question.
§ Mr. FFRENCHIs it the intention of the Treasury to put Irish old age pensioners on the rates; if not, why do not they allow the Poor Law Boards to supplement the pensions, which are admittedly too low to support poor people?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThat would be contrary to the whole principle of the Old Age Pensions Act.
§ 40. Mr. KENNEDYasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether in dealing with old age pensions in Ireland regard is had to the increase of income due to receipt of Navy or Army separation allowances; and will he have instructions issued to the proper authorities dealing with this matter and thus avoid endless trouble to representative bodies and others concerned?
Mr. McKINNON WOODAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my predecessor gave to the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow on the 27th April last, of which I am sending him a copy. As regards the last part of the question, I shall be glad to have inquiry made if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any particular case in which difficulties have arisen.
§ Mr. KENNEDYWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not in reviewing the amount which these old age pensioners receive the question of separation allowance is taken into account?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThat depends upon the circumstances. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the answer, in which that point was dealt with.
§ Mr. KENNEDYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any differential treatment of the old age pensioners in this country and in Ireland?