§ Mr. CLARRYasked the Minister of Health the numbers, separately, of widows, children and old age pensioners who have benefited up to 31st January last, within the county borough of Newport consequent upon the operations of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1926?
609W
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe information asked for is not available, as the claims are not arranged on a territorial basis.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether any arrangements have been made for offices of the Ministry to remain open on not less than one evening in each week to enable applicants to obtain information regarding claims to pension without loss of remunerative time?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt has not been found necessary to make any general arrangements for offices of the Ministry to remain open one evening a week for this purpose. If, in any particular case, it is inconvenient for an applicant to attend at the office during normal office hours, arrangements are made for him to be interviewed at a time suitable to his convenience either at his home or at the office. I would remind the hon. Member that leaflets containing full information regarding the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act are available at all post offices.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether, as a result of the operation of the new pensions scheme, his Department has acquired evidence of any considerable default by employers in paying contributions under the National Health Insurance Acts; whether these offences have occurred in domestic employment; and, if so, whether he will consider extending the powers of inspectors so as to enable them to enter any place in which they have reasonable cause to believe that persons are employed?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise.