HC Deb 18 November 1919 vol 121 cc378-9W
Captain MARTIN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take such steps as are necessary to prevent any reduction in allowances to old age pensioners in cases whore an additional allowance^ is made through loss in the Great War?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

This point will be considered in connection with the report of the Committee on Old Age Pensions.

Mr. FORESTIER-WALKER

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he will consider the amendment of the Old Age Pension Act providing that no old age pensioner shall suffer any reduction of pension owing to him or her being in receipt of a pension due to the loss of a son whilst on active service, where the receipt of such pension brings the total income above the maximum prescribed for in the Act?

(2) whether, in view of the fact that so many aged men who had obtained temporary employment during the War are largely now being discharged to make room for those ex-soldiers returning, he will reconsider the methods of calculating the means of applicants for old age pensions or give instructions to the pensions officers not to take into consideration such, earnings which are purely temporary?

Mr. BALDWIN

I will take these questions together. These points will be considered in connection with the Report of the Committee on Old Age Pensions.