38. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the allowance which a son makes to his parent is reckoned as income of the parent for the purpose of considering whether he is entitled to an old age pension; and whether, if a son increases his allowance 121 to his parent in view of the present cost of living, the parent may have the pension reduced or stopped altogether?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Montagu)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part of the question would depend upon the circumstances. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind and will furnish me with details I will have inquiry made.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIf a son supports his parent in his own house is that considered income for the purpose?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not like to express an opinion in answer to a question without knowing the facts. If my hon. Friend will give me the facts I will ask the Board of Customs to make inquiry.
39. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked whether an old age pensioner who has no other income except the contributions of his children who live with him is considered to have committed an offence by not disclosing the contributions of his children for old age pension purposes; and whether, in the event of his sons enlisting and his being awarded separation allowances in respect of them, his old age pension may be reduced or withdrawn altogether?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that old age pension officers are threatening to reduce old age pensions if the parent gets a separation allowance in respect of his son?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIf a parent gets a separation allowance and the son had made a contribution to the parent's upkeep before he enlisted, then the separation allowance would diminish or cause the old age pension to disappear; not otherwise.