§ Dr. AMBROSEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state why Maria Corley, of Curheens, Breaffy, Castlebar, county Mayo, though being passed by the pension officer at Castlebar No. 1 sub-committee for a pension at the rate of 4s. a week, which was increased by the subcommittee to 5s. a week, was, on an appeal lodged by the pension officer, debarred by the Local Government Board from any pension whatsoever; why Michael McHale, of Moreen, Castlebar, after being passed by the pension officer for a pension of 4s. a week, which decision was confirmed by the sub-committee, was, on the pension officer raising the question of McHale being medically relieved in the union hospital in Castlebar, debarred by the Local Government Board from receiving any pension, although the subcommittee was guided in their decision by the Board's circular letter, No. 177 M, 1908, Miscellaneous, dated 30th December, 1908, which says that when medical or surgical assistance preponderates and the maintenance is altogether subsidiary there is no disqualification; and will he recommend the Local Government Board to reconsider their decisions?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board were of opinion that Maria Corley's income exceeded the statutory limit. They disallowed Michael McHale's claim, as they obtained evidence that he had not reached the statutory age of 70. They have no power to re-consider a decision which they have given regarding an appeal under the Old Age Pensions Act.