HC Deb 05 July 1917 vol 95 cc1270-2
20. Mr. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state why Mathew Sheridan, of Kilcogy, county Cavan, whose son resides in Granard, has been deprived of an old age pension; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case and direct the Local Government Board to grant this man's application?

Mr. DUKE

I am making inquiries.

21. Mr. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state why the Granard pensions officer, Mr. Tumner, has objected to Mrs. May Farrelly, No. 886, in the Granard station district, being continued on the list of persons entitled to a pension; why the same officer, when the Ballinalee sub-committee granted her 3s., appealed although the woman is now older and poorer than when she first got the pension; and will he request the Local Government Board to reconsider her case and grant her the pension to which she is entitled?

Mr. DUKE

Inquiries are being made in regard to this case.

22. Mr. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when a definite statement will be made on the question of a grant of an all-round flat rate of 2s. 6d. per head to old age pensioners; whether he is aware that this sum has practically been paid to no old age pensioners in county Longford, the mere statement of the pension officers debarring the local committees from granting it; whether he is aware that many deserving cases have been thus shut out; and will he apply the only remedy, to give an all-round flat-rate increase forthwith?

Mr. DUKE

The question of a general increase of old age pensions is not one with which I can deal as Chief Secretary. Appeals against the decisions of pension officers go to the Local Government Board for Ireland, and in proper eases come under my consideration. The proportion of cases in which the additional pension is granted is at least as large in Ireland as in Great Britain.

Mr. FARRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Local Government Hoard have practically turned down every appeal to them?

Mr. DUKE

I do not, know how that may be, but I know the ratio of distribution and allowance, and the result of the comparison is that which I have stated.

Mr. FARRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Local Government Board says that there is no appeal in these matters?

Mr. DUKE

I think not, because I have frequently answered questions in this House with regard to the grounds of decisions of appeals.

Mr. FARRELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to press the Local Government Board to look into this matter?

Mr. DUKE

If the hon. Member can undertake to extend any year to twice 385 days, I should be very glad to give him some of the additional days.

Mr. DEVLIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many appeals there are?

Mr. DUKE

I could not possibly.

Mr. DEVLIN

Are there any?

Mr. DUKE

I could not say.

Mr. CULLINAN

When the pension officers take into consideration the rate of pay of dependants of old age pensioners, why do they not take into consideration the increased cost of living?

Mr. DUKE

As I have already said, the proportions of those additional pensions in Ireland are at least as large, or slightly larger, than they were in Great Britain.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Local Government Board to give their reasons for refusing appeals?

Mr. DUKE

They always give them when there is an appeal.