§ Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that old age pensioners who are desirous of visiting their friends in various parts of the Empire do not receive their pensions while away from this country; and whether he will take steps, by regulation or otherwise, to allow any such pensioner to receive his pension while on a visit to his family outwith this country?
Mr. W. ADAMSONA person qualified to receive a pension payable under or by virtue of the Contributory Pensions Acts may receive payment in any part of the Dominions outside Great Britain subject to the provisions of Section 3 of the Act of 1929. As regards pensions under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908–1924, I am aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. This is due to the express provision in the law that "a sum shall not be paid on account of an old age pension to any person while absent from the United Kingdom." I am advised that it would require legislation to assimilate the position under the Old Age Pensions Acts of 1908–1924 to that under the Contributory Pensions Acts and have noted the point for consideration when an opportunity occurs.