HC Deb 08 March 1923 vol 161 cc686-7
4. Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in calculating the means of an applicant for a needs pension, it is intended that the shares of maintenance, attributable to the applicant's children should be brought into the calculation, although such children may be totally unable to contribute to their parent's maintenance?

Major TRYON

Appropriate shares would generally be imputed to the children of an applicant for a need pension. Provision is, however, made for waiving shares in certain circumstances where it can be shown that the contribution could not reasonably be expected, provided that the circumstances which give rise to the inability to contribute are reasonably permanent.

6. Mr. ERNEST EVANS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the proposed withdrawal of the bonus on need pensions will cause great hardship and distress; and whether, in view of the continued high cost of living, he will take steps to have the bonus continued in necessitous cases for a further period?

Major TRYON

No bonus is ordinarily payable on this class of pension because the pension is based upon the actual circumstances of the dependant at the present time. In a few cases, when the pension fell to be reduced last year, a small bonus was, as a temporary concession, continued till the end of the financial year. I regret that it is not possible to extend this concession.

Mr. EVANS

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea what it would cost to continue these pensions for another 12 months?

Major TRYON

I could not answer that on a supplementary question, but I will get the information for the hon. Member. I may say the maximum was raised from 18s. to 20s.

7. Mr. EVANS

asked the Minister of Pensions also what steps are taken by his Department to ascertain the circumstances of those who are recipients of, or applicants for, need pensions; what inquiries are made and by whom; and whether he is aware that in many cases the existing arrangements are deemed to be unsatisfactory and incomplete?

Major TRYON

Every application is investigated by an inquiry officer of the Ministry, who personally visits the applicant, and investigates all the circumstances bearing upon eligibility for a need pension. Applicants who consider that they have just ground for complaint are entitled to put their cases before the War Pensions Committee who can consider and make representations to me.