§ 27. Mr. LEEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the disallowance of an application for widow's pension in respect of Frederick Chambers, of Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, who was contributing up to 16th June, 1916, to the Health Insurance, Fund, but between that period and January, 1926, was ineligible by reason of the fact that his earnings were above the limit allowed; if he is aware that on the 4th January, 1926, Chambers became a voluntary contributor and his insurance was effective at the date of his death on 19th December, 1927; that 104 stamps had been placed upon the card before his death, but because the 104th week had not elapsed, though it had commenced, payment of the pension is not being granted; and whether any discretion is exercised in favour of such cases?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has looked into the case referred to, and would point out that Mr. Chambers, who died on 19th December, 1927, was not alive at the commencement of the 104th week from the date of his becoming a voluntary contributor, that week having commenced on 26th December, 1927. The 978 statutory condition requires that 104 weeks should have elapsed, and my right hon. Friend has no power to award a pension in a case where the statutory conditions are not satisfied. I should add that my right hon. Friend's decision was upheld by the Referees appointed under the Act, who considered an appeal made by Mrs. Chambers.