HC Deb 25 October 1909 vol 12 cc816-8W
Mr. SHEEHAN

further asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, after a full consideration of all the circumstances, the Macroom (No. 1) pension-committee awarded an old age pension of 5s. per week to John M'Namara, Annagannihy, Ballinagree; whether the fact was clearly established that, in February, 1908, this man had by regular legal assignment made over his lands to his son, aged 34 years, on consideration of receiving £110; that he enjoyed no other source of income whatever, and is at this moment absolutely dependent on his son for his support and maintenance; that his age is admittedly 72 years; and, seeing that the Local Government Board have not controverted any of the foregoing statements, will he state the grounds on which a pension was refused in this case, and why it is the Local Government Board should write that it is not open to them to reconsider their decision on appeal?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that up to March last John MacNamara had a farm of 100 acres which he assigned with the stock and crops to his son, receiving in return £110 in cash, an annuity of £10, food, lodging, and fuel, the use of a horse and cart, and the joint use of a mowing machine. The pension officer considered that the claimant's means exceeded the statutory limit, and the Local Government Board allowed the appeal. They have no power to reconsider their decision.

Mr. ARTHUR LYNCH

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether an old age pension was granted to James Neylon, of Caheraderry, Ennistymon; whether the pension was disallowed on appeal on the ground of age, but subsequently granted on production of a record from the Census Return of 1841; whether the pension officer again appealed, but this time on the ground that the applicant had failed to work according to his ability for the past 20 years; whether Neylon's application was endorsed by several justices of the peace, a county councillor, a bank manager, and the parish priest; and, if so, whether instructions will be given to allow the pension?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that Neylon is a notorious drunkard, having been convicted and fined for this offence 17 times during the past five years. The ground of the pension officer's appeal to the Local Government Board was that the claimant had failed to work according to his ability, opportunity and need, and the Board upheld the appeal. The committee having again granted Neylon a pension, another appeal on the same ground was made, and was again upheld by the Board, who had before them the memorial mentioned in the question. It is not open to the Board to reconsider the appeals.

Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state on what grounds John Clarke, No. 886 in pension officer's register, has been disallowed his claim to a pension of 5s. a week allowed him by the Ballinamuck subcommittee on 9th March, 1909, his case being appealed by the pension officer before the Local Government Board, by whom his claim was disallowed, the only reason for their action stated being that claimant was not entitled to any pension?

Mr. BIRRELL

The pension officer appealed in this case on the ground that the claimant had not attained the statutory age. The Local Government Board wrote to the claimant, asking him if he could give them a baptismal certificate, a marriage certificate, or the baptismal certificates of any of his children, or any evidence which would help to indicate that he was 70 years of age; but he was unable to produce any evidence whatever on the point, and the Board had, therefore, to allow the appeal.