HC Deb 24 March 1925 vol 182 cc246-7
75. Dr. DRUMMOND SHIELS

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that an old woman, an old age pensioner, aged 75, was last week fined £3, with the option of 14 days' imprisonment, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for failing to disclose an income of 26s. per month; and will he consider the case with a view to a revision of the sentence?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am making inquiry into this case and shall communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Captain BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is not possible to restore the pension to this old woman who has no one to support her?

Captain GARRO-JONES

Will the Secretary for Scotland give instructions in cases of this kind that no prosecution shall be undertaken when the case can be otherwise settled?

Dr. SHIELS

In view of this and other similar cases will the right hon. Gentleman try to persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to follow up the good work of the Labour Government and abolish the means limit altogether?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have already stated that I am making the fullest inquiry into this case, and I can give no expression of opinion until I have the facts before me.