43. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Health whether any representations have been made to any part of His Majesty's Dominions outside Great Britain in respect of reciprocal arrangements under Section 33 of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925; and, if so, can he state the present position?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Special Oversea Settlement Sub-Committee of the Imperial Conference which considered 1414 the question of the standardisation of social insurance schemes throughout the Empire (See page 282 of Cmd. 2769). I understand that it is hoped to address a communication dealing with the recommendations of the Sub-Committee to the Governments of the Dominions at an early date.
44. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. G. Shepherd, of Kendal, Claim No. 362,346/27, who has been informed by the pension officer that he is eligible for an old age pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, but that the pension payable under the Blind Persons Act, 1920, would cease when the old age pension became payable; and, as this is contrary to Section 24 (4) of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, will he issue instructions to the pension officers throughout Britain calling their attention to the right of a person, if eligible, to draw the pension under the Blind Persons Act and under the Contributory Pensions Act concurrently?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy attention has not previously been drawn to this case. I may say, however, that the statement alleged to have been made in the second part of the question would not be accurate as it stands. The effect of the relative provisions of the Act of 1925 is to enable pensions to be drawn concurrently up to the age of 70 under that Act and under the Blind Persons Act.