§ Mr. WATTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in debarring a person from old age pension on attaining the age of seventy years, money to the extent of £200 invested in the Savings Bank at 2½ per cent. interest, and to the extent of £50 at 3 1–3 in another investment, are calculated by the pension officer as returning 5 per cent, interest; if so, is this under a regulation of his Department; and, if not, will he introduce an amending Act so that safe investment in Government securities may be encouraged instead of the reverse?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe method of calculation to which my hon. Friend refers was laid down by Statute (Section 2 (1) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911) and not by departmental regulations. I fear I am unable to propose an Amendment of the law on this point.
601W
§ Mr. O'SHEEasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Ellen O'Connor, of Barrack Street, Tallow, county Water-ford, has been refused an old age pension by a decision of the Local Government Board reversing the decision of the Lismore sub-committee on the ground of age; why the Local Government Board declined to accept the evidence produced by her that she is over seventy years of age; in what respect does the Board consider the evidence to be defective; and whether, if further evidence is given, the Board will reconsider its decision?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that the Local Government Board reversed the decision of the local sub-committee on this claim. The claim was disallowed by the sub-committee, and, on appeal, the Board confirmed the sub-committee's action. The evidence furnished by the claimant was defective, inasmuch as it was insufficient to establish that she had reached the statutory age. The Board have no power to reconsider a decision when given on a claim.