§ Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINasked the Minister of Health whether an old age pensioner ceases to be entitled to receive his pension on entering a Poor Law infirmary on the ground that the cost of his maintenance is borne by the institution so long as he is an inmate; and, if so, on what ground the pension is stopped in cases where the cost of maintenance is borne by relatives or friends of the pensioner?
Mr. YOUNGIn the former case Section 3 (1) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1919, provides that an old age pensioner shall not be disqualified for the receipt of a pension during a period of three months from the date of entering an infirmary if he so long continues to require medical or surgical treatment. After that period he incurs disqualification. In the latter case the pensioner ceases to be entitled to a pension so soon as his means, which include the cost of maintenance borne by relatives or friends, exceed the statutory limit of £49 17s. 6d. per annum.