§ Lieut.-Colonel PARRYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction that exists owing to the disqualification of old age pensioners who are inmates of Poor Law institutions to receive their old age pensions; that the old age pensioners concerned feel that once having obtained their pension it involves a stigma to lose it again; and whether he is prepared to recommend the amendment of the Old Age Pensions Act to the effect that indoor and outdoor paupers be treated alike, and thus relieve the disqualification?
§ Dr. ADDISONIn view of the fact that the Old Age Pension Acts were amended so recently, and that the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend was definitely rejected by the Departmental Committee, I am not prepared to recommend the alteration which he proposes.
§ Mr. ALLEN PARKINSONasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the old age pension of Edward Parry, 127, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, was stopped when he applied for a new book, after having been in receipt of full pension since April, 1916, after inquiry by the local pensions committee, who decided that he was entitled to full pension, the local pensions officer also agreeing that he was entitled to full pension, but still no pension has been paid since February; and whether he will have this case inquired into and the payment of the pension made at the earliest possible date?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave yesterday in answer to the hon. Member for Newton (Mr. R. Young), except that the pensions officer did not agree to the rate of pension proposed by the local pensions committee in this case. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my previous reply.