§ 54. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there are a 552 number of cases of children who have been in receipt of allowance under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts who have never been able to attend school owing to infirmities; that when they have turned the age of 14 years the allowance has been taken away owing to not attending at school for full-time instruction; and will he consider amending the Act so as to allow such cases to continue drawing the allowance until 16 years of age?
Sir H. YOUNGI am aware of the existence of a small number of cases of the kind to which the hon. Member refers, but I do not think it would be appropriate to make specific provision for this exceptional class in the contributory pensions scheme.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cases mentioned in the question will feel the full force of the food taxes, and that there will be no corresponding redress unless he alters the Act?
Sir H. YOUNGThe point is this, that exceptional cases of the kind to which the hon. Member refers would really be more appropriately dealt with under other provisions of the law.