HC Deb 29 July 1926 vol 198 cc2298-9
27. Mr. TOWNEND

asked the Minister of Health what are the names of the referees appointed under the Contributory Pensions (References) Regulations, 1925; what are their respective salaries; and if the appointments are whole-time appointments?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The referees are Mr. R. E. Lomax Vaughan Williams, K.C., Mr. B. A. Cohen, K.C., and Mr. Eustace Hill, K.C. The present arrangements cover the first year only and 500 guineas will be paid to each of the referees for that period. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Was there not a promise made when the Bill was passing through this House that women would be appointed as referees, and, if so, what has been done in that connection?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not remember any such promise being given. I think the hon. Member must be thinking of the case of assessors.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is there any further appeal against any decision by this important tribunal, and, if so, to whom should that appeal be addressed?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think that question requires notice.

28. Mr. TOWNEND

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases in which pension has been refused to the unmarried wife and children of insured persons who have died since 4th January, 1926; and whether, in view of the fact that the man paid the normal contributions and of hardships inflicted on the women and children, he will make provision under Section 36 of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act for the payment of pension to an unmarried wife who has lived with the insured man for a period of five years or more at his death, plus the allowances for children?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The information required to answer the first part of the question could only be obtained by an examination of all the individual cases where the award of pension has been refused, and the pressure of current work precludes such an examination at the moment. As regards the second part, the proposal involves an extension of the class of persons for whom benefits are provided by the Act, and legislation would be necessary to give effect to it.