HC Deb 24 March 1914 vol 60 cc211-2W
Mr. DANIEL BOYLE

asked the Chief Secretary on what grounds the old age pension claim of Owen Geraghty, Belmullet pension sub-district, county Mayo, *has been fixed at 2s. per week instead of the full amount, Geraghty owning no property of any description.

Mr. BIRRELL

The Local Government Board refused to allow an increase to Owen Geraghty's pension from 2s. on the ground that in their opinion his means did not entitle him to any increase. When the question was being decided in July, 1913, Geraghty was in possession of a well-stocked farm, which he alleged he had assigned to his children. On consideration of all the circumstances of his case, it appeared to the Board that the assignment came within the terms of Section 4 (3) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, and they accordingly decided that he was not entitled to any increase.

Mr. DANIEL BOYLE

asked why the claim of Mrs. Norah Melody (No. 1572), Ballina, county Mayo, to have her old age pension claim increased from 3s. to 5s. per week has been refused by the Local Government Board on appeal, the claimant having no means of her own?

Mr. BIRRELL

Nora Melody's application has not been refused. On the contrary, her pension has been increased from 3s. to 5s. a week from the 5th November last.