HC Deb 15 June 1931 vol 253 cc1435-6
66. Mr. TINKER

asked the Minister of Health when the arrears of pension to be paid to widows under the amended Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act will be dealt with; and wehn they will be notified of this?

Miss LAWRENCE

4,400 English cases were awaiting the passing of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1931. In 3,000 of these cases the widows have been notified that their order books have been issued to the selected post offices and that pension with full arrears may be drawn to-morrow, the first pay-day after the passing of the Act. In each of the remaining 1,400 cases a notification has been received, usually from the local authority in respect of relief paid in excess pending the settlement

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)

As the reply contains a number of figures, I am causing it to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

of the pension claim, that a claim will be made against the arrears. In these cases the widows are being informed that the first payment of pension will be made on Tuesday the 23rd instant and that any balance of arrears due will be issued to them as soon as the amount of the claim for advances has been notified to the Department by the authority concerned.