74. Captain Cobbasked the Minister of Health how many old age pensioners are having their pensions supplemented by out-door relief; how many old age pensioners are obtaining medical treatment in public assistance institutions and continuing to draw their pensions; and how many old age pensioners who are assessed as medically fit have been obliged to forfeit their pensions by reason of their being admitted as inmates to Poor Law institutions?
§ Sir K. WoodThe number of old age pensioners in England and Wales who were in receipt of domiciliary relief on 1st January (the latest date for which figures are available) was 190,313. The number of old age pensioners who were receiving medical treatment in public assistance institutions and continuing to draw their pensions at the same date was 23,876. I regret that the information asked for in the third part of the question is not available.
Captain CobbIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the class referred to in the last part of the question is the only one whose members forfeit old age pensions on becoming recipients of public assistance; and would he consider the advisability of removing that disability?
§ Sir K. WoodOf course that is another question.
§ Mr. McEnteeIn view of the fact that different local authorities and public assistance committees are giving different decisions from day to day, will the right hon. Gentleman issue some kind of instruction to them on this matter?
§ Sir K. WoodPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would send me particulars of any case which he has in mind.