HC Deb 07 August 1947 vol 441 cc203-5W
Mr. Sharp

asked the Minister of National Insurance, why Mrs. Sarah Priestley, 35 Ramsden Street, Liversedge, Yorkshire, pension No. 35508571, who formerly received the 10s. old age pension in her own right and recently the 26s. pension, has now had this reduced to 16s.

439, c. 2223], supplied the following information

and has been asked to repay amounts alleged to have been overpaid.

Mr. J. Griffiths

According to the records of the Department Mrs. Priestley's old age pension was originally awarded in right of her husband's insurance. The appropriate rate of increased pension payable to her on this basis since 3rd October, 1946, is 16s. per week and weekly payments are now being made to her at this rate. A pension order book at the 26s. rate was issued in error to Mrs. Priestley in January last and accepted by her in the belief that she was entitled to pension on her own insurance. Recent investigation has not revealed that the necessary insurance conditions for the award of such a pension are satisfied by Mrs. Priestley and a decision to this effect was sent to her on 2nd August. But in all the circumstances it is not proposed to require Mrs. Priestley to repay the amount overpaid to her while she was receiving payments at the 26s. rate.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of National Insurance, when he expects to be able to reach a decision in the case of 24535724, Mrs. M. E. Holcroft, 13, Bowker Street, Radcliffe, who first applied for her pension in January, 1947.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Mrs. Holcroft's claim to an old age pension was admitted on the 26th July, and she now holds a current pension order book at the 16s. rate. Arrears of pension remain to be adjusted in the light of a claim from the local authority in respect of outdoor relief paid while Mrs. Holcroft's claim to pension was under consideration.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of National Insurance, when he expects to be able to reach a decision in the case of Mrs. A. Mather, 6, Balmoral Avenue, Whitefield, who first applied for her pension in January, 1947.

Mr. J. Griffiths

A pension order book at the 26s. rate, together with an order for the amount of the arrears due, is in the hands of the local area officer of the Assistance Board for delivery to Mrs. Mather.