§ Mr. J. H. THOMASasked the Minister of Health whether he can explain why paragraph 2 (b) of Memorandum No. 243/X of November 1925, on the subject of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, regulating the re-entry into State Insurance of certain persons as voluntary contributors, without any modification of pensions, has been at this late date superseded by further draft regulations which propose to reduce the pension where the age at last entry into insurance is over 45; and whether he will reconsider these Regulations so far as they apply to cases where the persons concerned comply with the statutory conditions defined in Section 8?
§ Sir K. WOODThe paragraph in question is not superseded, but rather explained by the subsequent Regulations which are issued in compliance with the directions of the Act. My right hon. Friend is, however, considering the effect of these Regulations and hopes to be able to make a further statement before long.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Minister of Health the number of widows in Devonport and Plymouth, respectively, who have applied for pensions under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:The information asked for is not available, as the claims are not arranged on a territorial basis.