HC Deb 10 December 1925 vol 189 cc636-7
23. Mr. GIBBINS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, on the death of a parent in receipt of a dependant's pension, any action is taken to notify the surviving parent that; the pension may be transferred to him or her, as the case may be?

Major TRYON

On the death of a parent in receipt of pension the Ministry would not ordinarily know whether there is a surviving parent, and could not therefore undertake individual notification. The possibility of transfer (which applies of course only to certain classes of pension) would, however, be explained to a surviving parent if he or she made inquiry at the local office of the Ministry or otherwise.

Mr. HAYES

Is it possible for the local office to make inquiry as to whether there is a surviving relative?

Major TRYON

We should be glad if in any case the local committees could get information which would enable us to pay any pension which is due.

Mr. FENBY

If a parent in receipt of a dependant's allowance goes into an infirmary, say, eight weeks prior to the death of the parent, what justification is there for the pension being stopped for those eight weeks?

Major TRYON

That does not arise here, but if the hon. Member has a case in mind I should be very glad to go into it.

Mr. FENBY

The right hon. Gentleman has a case of that kind under his consideration now from my constituency.

Major TRYON

It shall be gone into.