§ 56. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Minister of Health whether he will reconsider his decision in the case of Mr. H. M. Foord, of 5, Stapylton Road, Barnet, Herts, who is 87 years of age and was over 24 years in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and who, because he was awarded a meritorious service medal, has had both his and his wife's old age pension reduced from 6s. to 4s.?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have no power to reconsider my decision which by the terms of Section 7 (2) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, became final and conclusive. It will, of course, be open to Mr. Foord to raise a question for a pension at an increased rate, if at any time he should consider that his yearly means as calculated under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 to 1924, do not exceed £36 15s.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs it not really a crying scandal that because this man has been awarded a meritorious service medal his old age pension and that of his wife should be reduced?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThat may be so, but I was not responsible for that legislation.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman not responsible for taking steps to put it right?