HC Deb 20 November 1930 vol 245 c588
24. Mr. SORENSEN

asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that managers of Employment Exchanges are in the habit of demanding birth certificates from insured persons; if she vii say who meets the expense; and whether more than one certificate is demanded?

Miss BONDFIELD

The Department do not insist on production of evidence of age unless this is necessary in connection with a claim to benefit or some point of doubt with regard to contributions; but as such evidence when once supplied is noted in the records and is not normally required again from the insured person, it is obviously convenient and it should be given on entry into insurance or other early date, thus avoiding the possibility of delay in dealing with a claim made by him later on. It is, therefore, the practice to ask for a birth certificate on entry into insurance. The other occasion on which a birth certificate is commonly asked for is when the claimant is apparently approaching the age of 65 and has not previously supplied evidence of age. The cost of a birth certificate for this purpose is 6d., and is borne by the insured persons.

Mr. SORENSEN

Cannot the right hon. Lady take steps to see that where the applicant is a poor person the cost is borne by the Employment Exchange?

Miss BONDFIELD

I very much doubt whether I can do anything in that matter. It is a matter which affects not only my own Department, but other insurance as well.