§ 25. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health the number of pensioners under the contributory scheme, i.e., 65 to 70 years of age, who have entered a rate-aided institution within the Poor Law Union of West Ham for the years 1925, 1926, and 1927, separately, for medical or surgical treatment, and who have had their pensions attached toward the cost of their maintenance, and give the number of cases where treatment exceeded three months' duration within the institution?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThere can be no such cases since pensions to persons between the ages of 65 and 70 first became payable in January, 1928.
§ 28. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a branch of his Department at Bromhead Avenue is notifying certain persons claiming old age contributory pensions that a claim has been received from the West Ham Guardians for the recovery of relief granted since the pensioner became entitled to a pension; and whether he will give instructions that arrears of pension are to be paid without deduction in respect of such claims?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to Section 26 of the Contributory Pensions Act, which specifically authorises the recovery of relief from arrears of pension.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the money is pay- 1743 able by right to the person, and that the guardians should recover the money in a lawful way and not stop it at its source?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Member refers to Section 26 of the Act to which I have called his attention, he will see that the other is the course to be adopted.