HC Deb 27 February 1928 vol 214 cc53-4W
Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Health the number of men and women of 65 years of age and over who were receiving sick benefit under the National Health Insurance Act and were entitled to receive old age pensions when that Section of the new Act came into force by which they were disqualified from receiving their sick benefit?

Sir K. WOOD

The information asked for is not available, and to obtain it would involve a special examination of the sickness records of each of the 7,000 approved societies and branches.

Mr. BROMLEY

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the London and North Eastern Railway Company is taking advantage of the pensions paid at 65 years of age under the new Act to reduce by 10s. per week the railway service pensions which retired servants of the company were receiving at the time they became entitled to the State pensions; and if he will consider issuing an appeal to employers not to take to themselves the benefit of the State pension to the detriment of the pensioner for whom it was intended.

Sir K. WOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the general question raised in the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the remarks made by my right hon. Friend in the course of the Debate of 22nd instant on the Motion of the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Cove).

Mr. GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Health the numbers of married men and women, respectively, 60 to 65, 65 to 70, and over 70; and whether any estimates of future numbers are available?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The information asked for could not be made available without very considerable labour, which I do not think I should be justified in imposing on my officials.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Health the number of widows with and without dependent children under 60, 60 to 65, 65 to 70, and over 70; and whether any estimates for the future widows are available?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The information asked for could not be made available without very considerable labour, which I do not think I should be justified in imposing on my officials.