§ 70. Mr. Hopkinasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mrs. Elizabeth James, Broncairo, Llanarthney, Carmarthen, who is over 70 years of age, was awarded an old age pension of 10s. weekly on 9th October, 1937, and that the decision was reversed on 12th November, 1937, on an appeal by the pensions officer; that she is an invalid and a grown-up daughter remains at home, therefore, to act as housekeeper; that the household income is 48s. weekly; that her husband, aged 63, has for many years been a pensions contributor under the National Health Insurance Acts; and whether, having regard to the anomalies existing, he will consider the introduction of amending legislation to meet this and like cases of hardship in old age among the working classes?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI understand that the facts are substantially as stated in the question. I am afraid I cannot undertake to introduce amending legislation on the lines the hon. Member suggests, since any attempt, when calculating means for pensions purposes, to allow deductions in cases of incapacity or infirmity in respect of the cost of domestic help would give rise to many difficulties and create many anomalies.
§ Mr. HopkinIf the amount came from dividends on investments, would not this person, at the age of 70, be entitled to claim a 10s. pension?