HC Deb 30 November 1922 vol 159 cc872-3
10. Mr. N. MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether an investigator from the Pensions Office called upon Mrs. Julia, Gray, 53, Reid Street, Govan, whose son was killed in the War and who is at present in receipt of a pension; whether he is aware that this woman's husband is at present unemployed and she has been compelled to do occasional work; whether the investigator has informed Mrs. Gray that she may be summoned for defrauding the Ministry, as she did not inform them of the wages she was earning when in temporary employment; whether, in view of the large number of similar cases that are at present being summoned in Glasgow and in Scotland generally, he can state if this is the new policy to be pursued by the Ministry of Pensions towards the dependants of soldiers who fell in the Great War; and whether he is prepared to assure the House that such action will be abandoned?

Major TRYON

This case is at present under investigation, and I am, therefore, unable to give the hon. Member any assurance as to the action which will be taken.

Mr. MACLEAN

May I ask whether it is not the case that, where individuals are out of employment temporarily, the Ministry looks upon that as sometimes not entitling them to any increase in their pensions, while in cases where women get temporary employment it seems that the Ministry is desirous of contending that these people are endeavouring to, defraud the Ministry, and the Ministry either reduces the pension or brings the people into court?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is too long a supplementary question.

Mr. MACLEAN

On a point of Order. These cases are becoming very numerous throughout the country, and it seems to be the settled policy of—

Mr. SPEAKER

The matter can be raised on the Motion for Adjournment. That will be the opportunity for the hon. Member. This is not the time to debate the matter.

Mr. MACLEAN

I am sorry to press the point of Order, but this is a matter which seems to mark a new policy in the part of the Ministry of Pensions, and the only way in which we can raise the issue is by putting questions to the Minister. I am, therefore, asking him—

Mr. SPEAKER

That would take up the whole of Question Time, to the detriment of other Members. When a hon. Member puts down a question, and receives an answer with which he is not satisfied, he can put down further questions, and so pursue the matter.