§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that Mr. E. Parry, of 127, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, whose pension was stopped early in February pending consideration on the question of income, is still waiting a decision; whether the pensions officer did not inform the local pensions committee until the end of April; whether the delay is entirely that of the pensions officer; and, if not, who else is responsible for keeping old age pensioners waiting over six months for a decision concerning [...] pensions?
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§ Mr. BALDWINAs the hon. Member was informed by the Ministry of Health on the 5th instant, it has already been decided that the appropriate rate of pension is 4s. a week. Payment at that rate will be made at once as from February last. The rate was determined by the central pensions authority on an appeal by the pensions officer against a decision of the local pensions committee raising the pension from 5s. to 10s. It is regretted that the officer, misapprehending his standing instructions, suspended the pension book at 5s. due in February last pending consideration of the question whether the pensioner was not receiving an excessive pension, but I may explain that in April he offered to deliver a book at that rate, subject to subsequent adjustment, but the pensioner declined to accept it.