§ 63. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health how many applications for old age pensions are now suspended because applicants could not produce sufficient documentary or other evidence of age; whether he is aware of cases of injustice extending over some years arising from this inability; and whether circumstantial evidence of age is and will be generally 714 accepted in the absence of documentary proof?
§ Mr. ElliotI have no record of the number of cases where application for contributory old age pension has been rejected on the ground that it has not been established that the applicant has reached pensionable age. I am, however, satisfied that the procedure is such as to afford an applicant the fullest protection against any possibility of injustice. Where a birth certificate or other primary evidence of the age of an applicant for a contributory pension is not obtainable the claimant is invited to submit circumstantial evidence of age. Examples of such evidence include entries in a family Bible or birthday book, statements of employers and acquaintances, certificates of membership of trade union or friendly society. If, after full consideration of all the circumstantial evidence available, the decision is reached that the applicant is not of pensionable age, he is informed of his right of appeal to the independent referees appointed under the Act.