HC Deb 11 March 1926 vol 192 cc2612-3W
Major TASKER

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the facts that, from 2nd July next, old age pensions will be granted under and by virtue of the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 to 1924, and also under those Acts and by virtue of the Widows, Orphans and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, and that the forms of claim for pensions of the first-mentioned class, from 2nd July next, and information with regard thereto are already available at post offices, he will expedite the issue to the postmasters of the necessary forms of claim, from 2nd July next, for old age pensions of the other class, and will arrange that the postmasters receive, simultaneously with the new forms, such instructions as will enable them to advise intending applicants as to the circumstances in which they should fill up each class of claim-form, including the circumstances in which they should fill up both forms?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The claim forms will be issued at an early date, and the necessary instructions will be given to postmasters before the forms are available to the public.

Mr. SCURR

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications received from widows in the Metropolitan Borough of Stepney under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act; and how many applications have been granted and how many refused?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The information asked for is not available, as the claims are not arranged on a territorial basis.

Mr. CLUSE

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Islington Board of Guardians, at their meeting on the 25th ultimo, passed a resolution calling attention to the inadequate provision made for widows and orphans under the Widows', Orphans, and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, necessitating the continuance of Poor Law relief in many cases to supplement the income of the family, and asking the Government to increase allowances under that Act; and whether he is prepared to initiate legislation to carry out the principle of the guardians' resolution?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have received a copy of the resolution mentioned, but I cannot undertake to introduce legislation to the effect suggested.