§ 34. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health if he will explain the position of an orphan under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, who on the death of its mother is adopted by its grandparents, close father remarries and subsequently dies, leaving the adopted child still with its grandparents, and the second wife, now widow with one or more children; would such a child living with its grandparents be treated as entitled to an orphan's pension or an additional allowance; and, if so, to whom should this pension or allowance be paid?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)In the circumstances indicated in the question, an additional allowance would be payable in respect of the child of the first marriage. Normally, an additional allowance is payable to the widow as part of her pen- 2615 sion, but the Act contains provisions which authorise the transfer of the allowance from the widow to the person having the charge of the child.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases where grandparents have taken charge of the child almost from its birth, and the grandparents have not been able to receive the benefit of the referee's award? Will the hon. Gentleman look into the case if I submit one to him?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir.