§ 44. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health why branch secretaries of trade unions are debarred from signing forms in connection with applications for widows' pensions under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?
§ Sir K. WOODThis matter was under consideration recently, with the result that, in the latest print of the application form, branch secretaries of trade unions are included in the list of persons who are authorised to sign the forms.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCan the hon. Gentleman say why it is that a Member of Parliament is, perhaps, the only member of the public who is not allowed to sign these forms?
§ Sir K. WOODI did not know that that was so; I will make inquiries.