§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary how the pension officer arrived at the annual income of John Lundon, Dromkeen, county Limerick, which enabled him to reduce the pension to one-half; is he aware that this applicant has only a few miserable acres of land; and, in view of the harsh circumstances of the case, will steps be taken to have him put on full pay and allow him back money?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe information in the possession of the hon. Member does not correspond with that given to the Local Government Board. The local pension committee found that the applicant was entitled to 5s. a week, and against this decision the pension officer appealed. It was represented to the Board that the applicant is not now, as stated in the question, the owner of the farm, but that he had assigned it to his son; and the Board estimated that his support and other privileges were worth at least £23 12s. 6d., and accordingly fixed the rate of pension at 3s. a week. It is not open to the Board to reconsider their decision.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked whether the Local Government Board for Ireland will now reconsider all cases in which old age pensions, otherwise due, have been withheld on the ground of husband or wife being 2225W forced by specific infirmity, such as blindness, to go into a workhouse; and, if special application or appeal is necessary, whether the persons entitled, or local pension committees and sub-committees, will be so informed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe cases to which the hon. Member refers appear to be provided for by Clause 4 of the Old Age Pensions Bill now before Parliament. In the event of this Clause becoming law persons previously disqualified on the ground stated will require to make fresh claims. The question of informing local pension committees and sub-committees will be considered in due course.
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERasked the President of the Local Government Board, when a decision may -be expected in the appeals pending with regard to the old ago pensions of Mr. Thomas Hindle and Mr. James Ash, both of Great Harwood; whether he is aware that these appeals are on the question of amount only, and that meanwhile no pension at all is being paid; and whether he can state the cause of the delay?
§ Mr. BURNSIn the case of James Ash, I find that the papers are at present before the pension officer, to whom I have caused a communication to be addressed. In the case of Thomas Hindle, a further question has been raised as to his nationality; but I hope to be able to give a decision in the matter at an early date.