HC Deb 17 May 1928 vol 217 cc1196-8
33. Colonel ENGLAND

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the period of waiting entailed in the cases of many applicants for the old age pension at 65 years of age; and whether it is possible, either through notification by approved societies or by some better system of public announcement, to warn all applicants of the need for taking action before they reach the prescribed age?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the applicant takes advantage of the opportunity of making his claim well in advance of his 65th birthday, there is in the ordinary case no period of waiting for the receipt of pension. I may add that attention is drawn to the desirability of early application in the posters displayed in post offices, and approved societies are being asked to warn members when they attain the age of 64 years and eight months of the approaching termination of their right to cash benefits, so that they may be induced to make their claims for pension in good time.

Mr. BRIANT

If, as I understand is the case, there are arrears of work in regard to pensions, is it not extremely undesirable just now to discharge ex-service men while such arrears exist, and would it not be better to delay discharging those men until the arrears are dealt with?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am afraid that I did not catch the hon. Member's question.

Mr. BRIANT

Is it not a fact that ex-service men have been recently discharged, or are under immediate notice of discharge, and would it not be better if the discharges were delayed until the arrears of work are dealt with?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a new point, and it should be put down on the Paper.

42. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the local pension committee of the Bristol City Council, in which it is asked that legislation may be introduced to amend the Old Age Pension Act to provide that uninsured persons shall be entitled to an old age pension on attaining the age of 65 years, subject to the conditions as to means, nationality, and residence; and whether he will make a statement on the subject?

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

I am informed that the Minister of Health has received a copy of a resolution passed by the Bristol City Council suggesting a reduction from 70 to 65 in the age limit for pensioners under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908–1924. As regards the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough on 3rd March, 1027.