§ 10. Mr. F. MARTINasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will issue to officials dealing with applications for pre-war dependants' pensions received from crofters and small landholders instructions that the income deemed to accrue from the occupancy of a croft or small holding shall in no case be greater in amount 653 than the rent paid in respect of such croft or small holding, thus bringing the practice of his Department into conformity with the method of assessment to Income Tax applicable to occupiers of agricultural land?
Mr. ROBERTSI have no authority to accept this suggestion. The point arises in connection with the award of pension on the ground of pecuniary need when the actual income accruing from the property must necessarily be taken into account. My officers have instructions which should ensure a fair assessment in this type of case, but I shall, of course, be glad to look into the facts of any particular case the hon. Member may bring to my notice.