HC Deb 24 November 1927 vol 210 cc2078-9W
Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that an application for an old age pension was made by Mrs. Day, 70, Crown Street, Earlestown, Lancaster, during the month of May, 1927, and that since then several letters on the matter have been sent by her to all of which no reply has been given; and, seeing that this applicant was 70 on 22nd June, 1927, will he take steps to expedite a decision in this case?

Mr. SAMUEL

I am informed that Mrs. Day, who attained the age of 70 on 22nd June last, based her claim for an old age pension solely on the insurance of her husband, and in these circumstances she is not entitled to a pension until her husband becomes entitled. As the husband's age is 66 he cannot become entitled to an old age pension before 2nd January next. Mrs. Day has been informed that a pension has been awarded to her as from January. Also, in case she should be able to satisfy the means and other qualifications for a pension under the Old Age Pension Acts before that date, the necessary form has been sent to her on which she can make a claim accordingly.

Mr. PALIN

asked the Minister of Health the number of old age pension committees and sub-committees in Great Britain, and the cost thereof, in 1926?

Mr. SAMUEL

There were 558 old age pension committees and 1,347 sub-committees in Great Britain in 1926. The actual expenditure in connection therewith charged to the Old Age Pension Vote was £51,371.

Mr. PALIN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of Customs and Excise departmental officers engaged in connection with old age pensions, and the cost thereof?

Mr. SAMUEL

There are 304 women pension officers wholly employed in the administration of the Old Age Pension Acts, 1908–24, in Great Britain. In addition, a varying number of surveyors and officers of Customs and Excise are engaged part time on this work, which they perform in conjunction with their Revenue duties. The total cost of the Customs and Excise staff engaged on this work is estimated at £548,000 per annum.