§ 61. Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Health the total number of pension claims received under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1929: the number already sanctioned: and the classes to which they belong?
§ Mr. GREENWOOD264,832 claims for pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1929, have been received and up to the present 101,446 awards have been made, 22,707 being awards of old age pension to wives between the ages of 65 and 70 of men who were over 70 on 2nd January, 1928, and 78,739 being awards of widows' pensions, which, however, will not become payable before 1st July next. In addition to the awards already referred to, pensions have been restored or granted at the full rate, under the provisions of the Act to 28,340 beneficiaries.
§ Sir K. WOODWhat is the right hon. Gentleman doing about the 8,000 widows to whom he has refused pensions?
§ Captain P. MACDONALDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the strong feeling of dissatisfaction throughout the country at the delay in dealing with these pension claims of widows?
§ Mr. GREENWOODNo, I am not. Most of them do not come into force until 1st July next.