§ 63. Mr. HADYN JONESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Pugh Evans, Bridge Cottage, Barmouth, an insured widow of 65, who was in receipt of a war pension of 20s. in respect of her only son, and who has now had her pension reduced by 10s. owing to the receipt of the old age pension; and whether any steps are contemplated to remedy this hardship?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)I have been asked to reply to this question. The war pension in this case was one of the class—referred to in Section 24 (1) of the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925—which is calculated with reference to the necessities of the pensioner. As such, an adjustment had to be made of the amount of the war pension when a pension under the Act was awarded to the pensioner, who nevertheless continues to receive the same amount as before in the aggregate from the two sources.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the Minister make representations to the Minister of Health that the Contributory Pensions Act should be amended, in order that these widows may not be robbed of their 10s.?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYNo, Sir; they are not being robbed in any way. They are receiving as much as before.