HC Deb 13 July 1926 vol 198 cc227-8
36. Mr. AMMON

asked the Minister of Health the number of old age pensions awarded under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, and the number of first payments made on the first date of issue?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

With regard to the first part of the question, 28,140 pensions have already been awarded. The great majority of these are new pensions, but a certain number of existing old age pensions which have been increased because of the Act are included in the figure. I am unable to supply the information sought in the second part of the question, as the arrangements for payment of the pensions in England and Wales are made through the local officers of Customs and Excise. I would, however, remind the hon. Gentleman that where a claim is made before the expiration of two months after the 2nd July, 1926, the pension commences to accrue on the date on which the claimant became entitled.

38. Mr. BASIL PETO

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that fewer claims to widows' and orphans' pensions have been awarded than were expected under the actuarial calculations on which the finance of the Widows' and Orphans' and Old Age Pensions Act were based, he will consider whether he can do something to meet hard cases where pensions are refused to existing widows under the conditions with respect to young dependent children and tike minimum of 104 contributions imposed under the Act?

Sir K. WOOD

I fear that it would be altogether premature at the present stage to contemplate reconsideration of those provisions of the Act to which my hon. Friend refers on the ground that actual experience of claims under the Act has in some branches been less than the actuarial anticipations.

41. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that, under the provision of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, large numbers of people are unprovided for, he will consider amending the Act so that insurance shall be open to all on equal terms?

Sir K. WOOD

I presume that the question refers to a possible extension of voluntary insurance under the Act, and I would refer to the reply on that subject given to the hon. Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece) on the 1st July.