HC Deb 08 November 1937 vol 328 cc1389-91
22. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of parents' pensions payable in respect of sons lost in the Great War that have been transferred to the surviving parent during the past 12 months, and the number that were in suspense for two, four, six and over eight years, respectively, before re-issue; and whether he will give instructions that on the death of a parent in receipt of a flat-rate or dependant's pension the surviving parent shall be notified that he or she may continue to receive the pension on application through the local area war pension office or to Ministry headquarters?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

During the 12 months ended September, 1937, dependants' pensions were transferred to surviving parents in approximately 2,800 cases. A separate record is not kept of the period elapsing before re-issue, but the general experience is that application for re-issue is made promptly. It would not be practicable to notify surviving parents individually of this provision of the Royal Warrant, as my Department is not usually in a position to know if there is a survivor, but pensioners have their attention drawn to the point by instructions printed in the pension payment book which is in their custody.

23. Mr. Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the decision of Parliament that parents' pensions shall be paid in addition to old age pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts, he will give instructions or take other steps to ensure that parents' flat rate and/or dependants' pension shall not be reduced when a parent aged 70 or over receives the old age pension under the Old Age Pension Acts, 1908 to 1924?

Mr. Ramsbotham

Parents' flat rate and pre-war dependence pensions are not reduced by my Department when the pensioner receives old age pension under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 to 1924, but, as these latter pensions are subject to means limits, they may have to be awarded at a lower rate by reason of the additional income represented by the pension from my Department.

Mr. Smith

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is time this anomaly and injustice ought to be removed?

Mr. Ramsbotham

That is a matter for another Department.