§ Mr. GROVESasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what occasions so much delay in the borough of West Ham respecting the actual granting of the pension book to claimants whose particulars and credentials have been duly examined and passed by the local Old Age Pensions Committee; is he aware that Mr. John Prince, of 29, Ashlen Road, Stratford, whose claim has been passed as and from 4th January, 1924, has not yet received his book: and, as this man is sorely in need, will he see that the necessary adjustment is made forthwith?
Mr. GRAHAMI find on enquiry that there has been no general delay in delivering pension order books to persons who have been granted Old Age Pensions in the borough of West Ham. In the ease of Mr. John Prince, notification of the grant of a pension was received by the Pension Officer on the 2nd February, and the order book was delivered on the 20th February. Shortly after the grant of the pension, the Pension Officer dealing with the ease became seriously ill, and unfortunately the fact that an order book had not been delivered was overlooked by her substitute.
§ Mr. HANNONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what would be the total cost to the country, based on present statistics, of the reduction of the age limit for Old Ago Pensions from 70 to 65, and the increase in the pension from 10s. to 15s.?
Mr. GRAHAMI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a question by the hon. Member for Brighton (Mr. Rawson) on Wednesday last, of whish I am sending him a copy.