§ 67. Mr. EGANasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the High Court of Justice of England has ruled that the date of entry into insurance referred to in Section 5 (a) of the Widows,' Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, is the date of last entry, but that the Scottish Court of Session has ruled that such date of entry is the date of first entry; that as a result of these judgments widows and orphans of deceased insured persons domiciled in England and Wales are refused pensions and allowances, whereas those domiciled in Scotland are being granted; and whether, in order to remedy this position, he will consider the insertion of a clause in the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill to secure that the date of entry into insurance shall be deemed to be the date of first entry?
§ Miss LAWRENCEI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 27th November last to the hon. and gallant Member for Banff (Major Wood) on the same subject.
§ Mr. EGANIn view of the hardship that is undoubtedly being inflicted, will the hon. Lady receive a deputation?
§ Miss LAWRENCEI will certainly convey that suggestion to my right hon. Friend.