HC Deb 19 May 1914 vol 62 cc1784-5W
Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that an old woman named Nancy Boyle, of Green-hill, Toomebridge, county Antrim, appeared in person before the Ballymena sub-committee of the old age pensions committee, on the 30th March last; that the sub-committee declared themselves satisfied that she was over seventy years of age, and recommended that she should receive a pension; and that the two local district councillors for Toome made a declaration on oath that she was over seventy years of age, and the local parish priest pledged his word to the same effect; and, seeing that this woman is living in hunger and in poverty and that there is no objection to her receiving a pension except that evidence of age, conclusive enough to satisfy the pension officer, cannot be procured, whether, under all the circumstances, he will communicate with the Local Government Board with a view to her claim being admitted?

Mr. BIRRELL

The facts are as stated in the question. The Local Government Board disallowed the claim after full consideration, and have no power to reopen the case. It is open to the claimant to make a fresh claim if she can obtain any further evidence of her age.

Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Board has yet considered the suggestion made to them by the London County local pension committee in January, 1913, that the Board should issue an instruction requiring the boards of guardians in the administrative county of London to notify the pension officer concerned immediately upon an old age pensioner receiving poor relief, whether given on account of his need for indoor medical relief or of destitution, and, if so, what decision has been arrived at; and, whether the Board has considered or will consider the possibility of issuing a similar instruction with regard to boards of guardians outside London?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have had this suggestion under consideration. I contemplate the issue of a circular to boards of guardians on the subject shortly.