§ Mr. HAYDENasked why in the case of those old age pensioners whose pensions were stopped during the recent inquiry into the working of the Act in Ireland, but who have since become qualified and have again been granted pensions, the pension officers are securing a refund of the amount paid prior to discontinuation of pensions by withholding payment of the newly granted pensions until the amount so withheld shall equal the amount received by the pensioners while not qualified?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIn the cases in question there is a debt due to the Crown under Section 9 (2) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, and the amount, where not refunded in cash, has to be recovered by withholding payment of any pension subsequently granted until the account is adjusted.