HC Deb 26 April 1911 vol 24 cc1925-6W
Mr. DORIS

asked why the claim to an old age pension made by Maria Sweeney, Castlebar, county Mayo, had been disallowed by the Local Government Board; if he is aware that, as no record relating to the claimant could be found in the Census returns of 1841 and 1851, she produced a certificate showing that she had been married fifty years on 12th March, 1911; and whether, having regard to this certificate, to her general appearance, and the unanimous decision of the local subcommittee that she was the statutory age, he will ask the Local Government Board to reconsider her case?

Mr. BIRRELL

Maria Sweeney's age could not be traced in the Census returns, and a marriage certificate was produced as stated. The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal, as they were not satisfied that the claimant had reached the statutory age, and they can only re-investigate the case if Mrs. Sweeney makes a fresh claim which comes before them on appeal.