HC Deb 01 August 1923 vol 167 cc1469-70
67. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the case of old age pensions granted on appeal, he will consider the ante-dating of the grant of such pensions to the date of the original application?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Under Section 6 of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1919, an old age pension is payable from the first Friday after the claim is received by the pension officer or the first Friday after the claimant becomes entitled to a pension, whichever is the later, whether the pension is granted directly by a pension committee or is granted after an appeal to the central authority.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I do not quite understand the answer. Does it mean that, where there is an appeal and a protracted inquiry, the old age pensioner, even although entitled, loses his pension during that period?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Then what does it mean?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the hon. and gallant Member will read the answer, I think he will see.