HC Deb 30 September 1909 vol 11 cc1558-9W
Mr. HAYDEN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, in the case of Martin Noone, the Roscommon pensions sub-committee having granted him a pension of 5s. per week, there was an appeal by the pensions officer on the ground of income, and notwithstanding that the pensions officer who investigated the case allowed 3s. per week, the Local Government Board disallowed the claim entirely; and whether, in face of the facts as reported by the pensions officer, the Local Government Board will reconsider the case and grant the amount approved by that official?

Mr. BIRRELL

The facts are as stated in the question. The Local Government Board considered that Noone's means derived from his farm exceeded £31 10s. a year, and accordingly disallowed his claim. It is not open to them to reconsider the case.

Mr. HAYDEN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that in the case of John Casey, an applicant for an old age pension, the Roscommon pensions sub-committee granted a full pension, and that, upon appeal to the Local Government Board by the pensions officer on the ground of age, the Local Government Board was satisfied as to the evidence of age, but reduced the pension to 2s. per week, notwithstanding that the committee and the pensions officer were both fully satisfied that the applicant's income from all sources was much below the statutory amount; and whether, in face of these facts, the Local Government Board will reconsider its decision?

Mr. BIRRELL

The facts are as stated in the question, except that the Local Government Board are not aware that the pension officer was fully satisfied that the pensioner's income was much below the statutory limit. The Board reduced the amount of pension from 5s. to 2s. a week, as they calculated that Casey's means were more than £26 5s. per annum. It is not open to them to reconsider their decision.