§ 53. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that old age pensions are now payable to insured persons and their wives over the age of 70 without any inquiries about means or nationality, whether he is aware that pensions officers are still continuing to cross-examine insured applicants and their wives over 70 years of age as to their moans, rent, allowance from children, etc., and to require them to produce savings bank books; and will he give instructions for this practice to cease so far as insured applicants are concerned?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not aware that claimants entitled to contributory pensions without regard to means under the Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, are subjected to the inquiries mentioned by the hon. Member. I would, however, point out that if a claim under that Act fails, it may fall to he dealt 2190 with under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908–1924, in which case the usual in-quiries as to means, etc., are necessary.