§ 34. Mr. BROADasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that the first two years of the Health Insurance Fund covered 103 weeks only, and that as a result of this approved society officials and others who received increases of salary as from the first half of 1914, taking them over the then income limit of £160 per annum, have not been allowed to re-enter as voluntary contributors for the purpose of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925; and whether he will, in any amending legislation with regard to this Act, endeavour to remove this disqualification?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs regards the first part of the question, I would point out to the hon. Member that the period referred to ended on the 5th July, 1914, and I am not aware that it is the practice of approved societies to make increases in the rate of the remuneration of their officials take effect from the end of contribution years. As regards the second part, I cannot undertake to introduce amending legislation on the lines susggested.
§ 39. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to estimate how much money has been saved by Poor Law authorities throughout the country as a direct result of the State payments for widows', orphans', and old age; contributory pensions?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe latest returns were received from boards of guardians in England and Wales for the period ended 27th March, 1926. They show that the direct saving to poor rates up to that date by reason of the operation of the Contributory Pensions Act was at the rate of £1,768,000 per annum.
Mr. BECKETTCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of what were the extra burdens placed upon boards of guardians by the Government?
48. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if an insured person aged 70 or more who received the old age pension prior to 2nd July, 1926, under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908–24, is accorded the same privileges as insured persons who claimed pension subsequent to that date, or whether he is subject to restrictions as to earnings and income?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have been asked to reply. The person referred to is entitled to the concession granted to insured persons by the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, and will, therefore on furnishing evidence that he was insured on attaining the age of 70, cease to be subject to the means test imposed by the Acts of 1908 to 1924.