HC Deb 14 March 1946 vol 420 cc1269-70
31. Sir Robert Young

asked the Minister of Health what is the method followed by his Department in determining the age of people of whose birth no trace can be found, either at the place of birth or in the records of Somerset House; and whether the age of any of such persons is accepted from any record at any place of education which was attended by such a person.

Mr. Bevan

If an entry of birth cannot be traced in the register of births it is for the Department concerned, for example, the Ministry of National Insurance or a Service Department, to determine what alternative evidence it can accept for its purposes, and my Department has no responsibility in the matter.

Sir R. Young

Have those who have been paid contributory pensions in the past had their ages guaranteed?

Mr. Bevan

I cannot add to what I have already said. There is a formal way of determining the date of birth. If there are exceptional circumstances it is for the Department immediately concerned to discuss alternatives.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept as standard ages those recommended by Somerset House?

Mr. Bevan

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question down I will give him a reply.

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