§ 14. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Health what representations have been made to extend the benefits of the Supplementary Old Age Pensions Act to the citizens of the Isle of Man?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)I have been asked to reply. Following the passage of the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Act, 1940,corresponding legislation was passed in the Isle of Man.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs it in operation to-day?
§ 15. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the widespread hardship felt by old age pensioners who,by reason of enemy action, have had to leave their furniture in homes in more dangerous areas and seek shelter in relatively safer areas, and are now being refused supplemental pension allowance in respect of rent being paid for their old homes, resulting in these old people either selling off their furniture or 271 returning to dangerous areas, he will consult with the Assistance Board with a view to reconsidering their present policy?
Mr. BrownI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to a similar Question by him on 23rd January, 1941, but I may add that while for the reasons then stated the Assistance Board cannot provide indefinitely for the rent of rooms no longer occupied, they are prepared to meet storage charges for furniture up to a reasonable amount.
§ Mr. GreenDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that thousands of old age pensioners will be facing the heartbreaking alternative of either staying in their evacuation area and starving or coming back to the bombed areas of London, from which they were sent, as aged and infirm people, by the London County Council?
Mr. BrownMy hon. Friend will realise that this additional provision has been made by the Board since he last raised the question and if I am asked what reasonable charges are, my reply is that we are thinking of about 5s. per week.