§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary why Thomas Sheehy, of Knock-aderry, Newcastle West, county Limerick, was refused the old age pension by the Local Government Board after the local pension committee granted it to him; whether he is aware that he is over seventy years of age and, in the year 1900, on his daughter's marriage, by deed of settlement assigned his place to his son-in-law on consideration of a living of £1per month and the use of a room in the house; and whether, having regard to the facts above set forth, he will say that he is entitled to the pension?
593W
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe facts are as stated in the question, except that the claimant is entitled to maintenance on the farm, and only in case of dispute to £1 a month in lieu thereof. The farm in question is a well-tilled one of thirty-seven acres, and carries sixteen head of cattle, in addition to other stock. The Local Government Board considered, in all the circumstances of the case, that the value of the claimant's benefits and privileges was worth more than £31 10s. a year.