HC Deb 02 August 1923 vol 167 cc1694-5
23. Mr. SEXTON

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the case of William Aimer, an old age pensioner, awarded 10s. per week and at present an inmate of the Turner Memorial Home, Liverpool, and whose son-in-law willingly contributed 11s. per week, which, in addition to his pension, made up the necessary fee charged by the institution of £1 1s. per-week, and in consequence of which Aimer's old age pension has been reduced to 6s., necessitating the son-in-law paying the difference; and if, in view of this voluntary action of the son-in-law, who is quite willing to continue contributing on the original scale of 11s. and the benefit derived by the said William Aimer in the home, he will take steps to restore Aimer's pension to the 10s. per week?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The value of the free maintenance received by Mr. Aimer in the Turner Memorial Home, i.e., the full value of maintenance there less the amount contributed by him from his old age pension, is required by law to be taken into account as means in determining the rate of old age pension (if any) to which he is entitled. In these circumstances I have no power to intervene.

Mr. SEXTON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to answer the question I have put down? Is he aware that the son-in-law has contributed the difference between the pension and the £1 1s. required by the institution, and is quite prepared to go on doing so? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the pensioner has his 10s. restored? It is now reduced to 6s., because, in point of fact, the son-in-law has paid the difference between the 10s. and the £1 1s.?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That, I believe, is perfectly true, but the fact that the son-in-law contributes to this institution does not remove from the pensioner the effect that he is getting benefit from the institution, and the total amount of his income has to be taken into consideration.

Mr. SEXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the son-in-law can refuse to contribute any balance—that there is no obligation on him to do it?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I think that is correct. There is no obligation on the part of the son-in-law, but the law as regards old age pensions makes us take into consideration the total benefit the pensioner receives.

Mr. SEXTON

Then is not this a case where "the law is a hass"?

31. Sir ROBERT NEWMAN

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statistics to show what the cost would be to the Exchequer if, in calculating the means of aged persons claiming old age pensions, the value of free housing accommodation was excluded; and, if he has no such statistics, will he consider the possibility of obtaining an estimate of the amount?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I regret that this information is not available, nor could it be obtained except at an expenditure of time and labour which I do not think would be justified.