HC Deb 23 November 1916 vol 87 cc1601-2
102. Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that owing to a shortage of application forms at the Post Office, Rathkeale, county Limerick, for the additional allowance on the 9th October, several old age pensioners in Rathkeale and district were unable to forward their applications to the pension officer there before the 14th October, and were thus deprived of one week's allowance; and, having regard to this fact, will he say whether this extra allowance can now be obtained by the old age pensioners who did not receive it for the above reason?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am having inquiries made into this matter, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have received the reports which have been called for.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

If it can be proved that these old age pensioners could not get their allowances, not through their own fault, will they be able to get consideration?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am very sympathetic with all these cases. If the case is a clear one of delayed payment, I think it is a matter for consideration, as my hon. Friend suggests.