5. Marquess of CLYDESDALEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the case of Mr. Andrew Gibson, of Dunottar, Granhill Crescent, Elderslie, Renfrewshire, who regularly paid his contributions towards old age pension from the inception of the Act until he retired from work at the age of 60, who on reaching the age of 65 applied for an old age pension, but was refused on the grounds that no contributions had been made between the ages of 60 and 65, although he was not employed during that time and although he was on no occasion notified that contributions should be continued during that time; and, seeing that he offered to pay up the arrears of contributions until he became eligible for pension, can he give an assurance that he will look into this grievance?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend has carefully inquired into the case, but I regret that Mr. Gibson cannot now qualify for a contributory old age pension.
§ Mr. SKELTONThe conditions of the Statute must be carried out. Had Mr. Gibson, between the ages of 60 and 65, when he ceased to be employed, become a voluntary contributor, which he might have elected to do, he would now be qualified for pension; but, in the circumstance, I fear no action can be taken.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESDoes the hon. Gentleman accept the statement in the question that this old gentleman never received notification from his society that he could become a voluntary contributor; 891 and does he know that it was the duty of the society to acquaint him with the provisions whereby he could qualify for pension?
§ Mr. SKELTONI will make further inquiries into that point. I think I had better postpone any observations until I have made further inquiries, and not commit myself to an answer, although I think it would be the correct one.