HC Deb 13 May 1925 vol 183 cc1859-60
76. Mr. CONNOLLY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of persons prosecuted for offences under the Old Age Pensions Act from 1908 to 1924; the number of old age pensioners sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine; and what is the average age on retirement for Army, Navy, teachers, police and old age pensions (normal retirements, excluding disability cases)?

Mr. GUINNESS

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer With regard to the first and second parts of the question, information as to the number of persons prosecuted under the Old Age Pensions Acts, and the number of old age pensioners sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine during the period mentioned by the hon. Member, is not immediately available, and will take some little time to obtain; it will be furnished to the hon. Member and circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as early as possible

In reply to the third part of the question, the following are the approximate average ages (so far as known) as regards normal retirements, excluding disability cases

Army (soldiers' service pensions) 40
Navy (ratings' service pensions) 43
Teachers 62
Police (based upon Metropolitan police figures only 48˙5
The statutory age for eligibility for the old age pension is 70 and 50 in the case of blind persons