§ 4. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the parents of Private J. M. Peebles, No. S/12376, Gordon Highlanders, who was killed in the War, were awarded a pension in respect thereof; that an investigator visited them on the 19th November, and on 24th November a letter was received by them intimating that the pension would terminate on 17th January, 1927; whether he can state what was the income of this family in 1914 and the income now; and whether, in view of the small income at present received by these people, he will reconsider his decision and continue payment of the pension?
§ Major TRYONThe only pension which could be granted in any circumstances in this case would be one based on need. This class of pension is determined, not by comparison with pre-War income, but by reference solely to the circumstances of the applicant at the present time. In the present instance I understand that the income of the applicants, which has increased since the pension previously in issue was granted, is now slightly over 32s. a week, and in these circumstances the applicants are not eligible for a pension based on need. Should the applicant's circumstances change for the worse the case would, of course, be reconsidered.
§ Mr. MACLEANAre we to understand that, with a family of this size, the Minister of Pensions considers that an income of 31s. 6d. a week, from which rent and rates have to be deducted, does not constitute a just right to a pension on behalf of a son who was killed in the War, and which has been in operation since 1919, I understand?
§ Major TRYONThe limit which forms the basis of this calculation is one which was fixed by the late Government.
§ Mr. MACLEANWhat is the limit?