Mr. DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the administration of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, payment of old age pension is withheld from the dependants of an insured person who is detained in an asylum within the meaning of the Lunacy Acts; and will he take steps to see that this benefit is paid to dependants, as is now the case with National Health Insurance benefits?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs regards the first part of the question, I would point out that under sub-section (2) of Sec-156W tion 21 of the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, a person is disqualified for receiving a pension under the Act while he is detained in any asylum within the meaning of the Lunacy Acts, 1890 to 1922. As regards the second part of the question, legislation would be necessary to give effect to the proposal of the hon. Member.