HC Deb 14 August 1911 vol 29 cc1725-6W
Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

asked what effect the granting of old age pensions has had on the poor rate of Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

From the statistics of Pauperism in Ireland at the end of July, 1910, and July, 1911, respectively, it would appear that about £130,000 per annum may be taken as the approximate amount saved to the rates as the immediate consequence of the removal of the pauper disqualification mentioned in the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908. To this sum might be added £5,000 as a rough estimate of the saving in respect of those persons who, while not actually in receipt of relief a year ago, were disqualified prior to the 1st of January last by the fact of having received relief since 1st January, 1909.

Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked why an old age pension was refused to James Murray, Lisanurlan, county Longford, notwithstanding the fact that, owing to the assignment of his farm to his son on his marriage, he is now practically destitute; whether the local pension officer has taken steps to ascertain the truth of Murray's statement as to this assignment being now carried into full effect; and, if not, will he now be asked to do so?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Local Government Board disallowed Murray's claim on the ground that the yearly value of the benefits and privileges he enjoyed on the farm which he had assigned to his son exceeded £31 10s. The Board were quite satisfied that the assignment had been made.