§ 33. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Health if he will consider simplifying the form of claim to an old age pension (Form C.P. 1—G), and shortening it by deleting unnecessary questions?
§ Mr. GREENWOODIt was found necessary, in order to avoid confusion and consequent delay in the settlement of applications, to combine in one form the particulars required in connection with claims for pensions at the age of 65 under the Contributory Pensions Acts, 1925 and 1629, and also claims for pensions at the age of 70, subject to a means test, under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908–1924. Clear directions appear on the form as to questions which need not be answered by an applicant, according to the type of pension which he seeks. Having regard to the different purposes for which the form has been 344 designed, I am doubtful whether the form can be shortened, but, if the hon. and gallant Member will let me know which of the questions he thinks unnecessary, I will certainly consider his suggestions.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND - TROYTECan the right hon. Gentleman say why he wants to know, as a matter of routine, the maiden name, for instance, of the mother of the claimant, or the occupation of the father?
Mr. PALMERWould it not make for simplification if two forms were used for these two different classes of pensioners, rather than the combined form which is now in use?
§ Mr. GREENWOODExperience shows that, when a person applies for an old age pension form, he may get a wrong one, and the idea was to have one old age pension form applicable to the two sets of cases.
Mr. PALMERWould not this be a means of educating the public as to the class of pension for which they are eligible?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMy business is to pay the pensions.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWhat is the need for asking on these forms, from a person of 65, all about his parents? What has that to do with the granting or refusing of an old age pension?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThese things are needed for proof of age.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs it necessary, in order to get proof of age, to have the names of all these people and what they have done? Could not proof of age be obtained from some form of birth certificate, or other proof of birth, and not from the names and so on of persons long since deceased?