§ 53. Mr. CONNOLLYasked the Minister of Health, if he is aware that unemployed men between 60 and 65 years of age, normally employed in insurable occupations, and signing at the Employment Exchanges as available for such employment, are being instructed that they must themselves place a certain number of insurance stamps upon their cards during the period of unemployment or become ineligible for old age pensions at the age of 65 years; will he issue instructions to correct this; and will he say whether any decision has been come to as to whether failure to pay arrears of sick insurance incurred during unemployment periods will affect a claim for an old age pension at 65 years?
§ Sir K. WOODAs regards the first and second parts of the question, my right hon. Friend is not aware that instructions in the sense indicated are being given, but if the hon. Member will I supply him with particulars of specific cases, he will look into them. As regards the third part of the question, my right hon. Friend would point out that one of the statutory conditions for the grant of an old age pension is the payment of 104 contributions. Subject to this condition being satisfied, failure to pay arrears due to sickness or unemployment can have no effect on a claim for an old age pension at the age of 65.
§ Mr. CONNOLLYArising out of the first part of the answer, will the Parliamentary Secretary consider the question of amplifying Circular 303/X, which is very ambiguous and gives a good deal of anxiety and misunderstanding?
§ Sir K. WOODI think it would be better if the hon. Member would send me any case where any difficulty has arisen.
§ Mr. CONNOLLYI will.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there appears to be no uniform policy in regard to friendly societies in applying for the prolongation of the Insurance Act?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, I am not aware of that, and if the hon. Member will send me particulars, I will inquire into that also.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I have sent plenty?
§ Sir K. WOODNo.