HC Deb 10 May 1911 vol 25 cc1339-41W
Mr. VINCENT KENNEDY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state whether Patrick Doyle, No. 3557, at present an inmate of Cavan union infirmary, was granted a pension; if so, when was the first payment due; and will he say why this pensioner has not yet got his book, or when he is likely to receive the same?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I am inquiring as to the facts of this case and will communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course.

Mr. CLYNES

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, respecting the case of Thomas McHale, William Street, Miles Platting, Manchester, who in July, 1908, duly applied for an old age pension, giving the necessary information to the local pension officer, whether he is aware that the pension was withheld from McHale for over two years, though it is proved he was entitled to it; whether he is aware that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have now given a decision which deprives-this man of about £30 to which he was legally entitled; and whether the case can be further considered, with a view to a payment being made to him in place of the sum he would have received had his original claim been allowed?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

The decision of the Treasury in this case was arrived at after full consideration of the facts relating to McHale's first claim to a pension (which was made in January, 1909, not in July, 1908, as stated in the question). The disallowance of this claim was due, not to any fault on the part of the pension officer, but to the insufficiency of the particulars furnished by McHale for for the purpose of inquiry as to his age. I cannot, in the circumstances, see my way to any modification of the decision.

Mr. RICE

asked the President of the Local Government Board what decision has been arrived at in reference to the claim of Miss Elizabeth Berry, who resides in Brighton, and whose case was submitted last year for the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown?

Mr. BURNS

On the information before me, the claimant does not appear to be, entitled to a pension, but, before finally, deciding the case, I have addressed a further communication to her.