Mr. MAURICEMEALY asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the grounds on which
866Wthe Local Government Board for Ireland have overruled the local pensions committee and refused an old age pension to Mrs. Jane Twomey, of Ivale, Banteer, county Cork; whether he is aware that Mrs. Twomey is the wife of a farmer who was evicted from his holding by a creditor, but whose son returned from America and with his own money bought back the farm on which he now lives; whether he is aware that both Mrs. Twomey and her husband are now without means of any kind and absolutely dependent on their son referred to; and whether the Local Government Board hold that persons so dependent are in a similar legal position to those whose maintenance is secured to them by contract?
Mr. SAMUELMrs. Jane Twomey's claim for an old age pension was disallowed on the ground that the value of the benefits and privileges enjoyed by claimant exceeded £31 10s. In addition to the husband's earnings there was considerable stock and cattle on the holding of fifty-two acres of good land. The Local Government Board were aware of the facts mentioned in the question, but under Section 2 (1) (a) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, it is immaterial whether the benefits enjoyed are secured by contract or not