HC Deb 10 July 1930 vol 241 cc630-1
88. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that, in the case of persons in receipt of a need pension and who have applied for either an old age or widows' pension, in a number of cases the need pension is reduced before the actual granting of payment of such an old age or widows' pension; and if, seeing that this is contrary to the Statute, he will say what steps he proposes to take to have this practice stopped?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) on the 7th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

By way of supplement to that answer, I may say that if in any exceptional case it may be ascertained that the contributory pension claim had not been met by the due date, arrangements have been made to reinstate temporarily the full pension previously in issue from my Department.

Mr. MOSES

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether that procedure will be adopted in all cases?

Mr. ROBERTS

Yes, Sir.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman what right is given to him by any Act of Parliament to reduce any pension?

Mr. ROBERTS

A need pension is governed by the income of the recipient.

Mr. BUCHANAN

But what right has the Minister to reduce any pension when the income of the recipient has not been increased?

Mr. ROBERTS

No reduction has been made unless the income has been increased.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Instances have been given where decreases have taken place. There was a case which I submitted to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. ROBERTS

I am looking into the case and will let my hon. Friend have the answer as soon as I can.