HC Deb 04 July 1928 vol 219 cc1372-3
41. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider introducing legislation to amend Section 22 of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, with reference to the residential qualification of pensioners, so as to include pensioners who take up residence in any of His Majesty's Dominions?

Sir K. WOOD

I would remind the hon. Member that an Amendment to secure what is now proposed was negatived when the Bill was in Committee, and my right hon. Friend remains of the opinion that, for the reasons then given, and in the absence of reciprocal arrangements, it is not possible to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was only negatived because the Government saw to it that it was negatived?

Sir K. WOOD

That hardly does justice to the deliberations of the House.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

In view of the fact that members of the Government are advising young men to emigrate, when two or three sons have gone and the father follows, ought he not to receive the pension he has paid for?

45. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Prime Minister if legislation will be introduced during the present Parliament for the abolition of the income and/or means limit for old age pensions at 70 under the Old Age Pension Acts, 1908 to 1924?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Deritend (Mr. Crooke) on 1st December last, of which I am sending him a copy.