§ Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that when persons of 65 or over appeal their claims to a pension of 10s. weekly, they have to appear before a sheriff; that the Scottish Board of Health who are opposing the grant of pension are represented by a solicitor, and that in most cases the old persons are not very able to put their case; and if he will consider it possible to allow the claimant to be represented by a legal person for which the Board would meet the cost?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI see no reason to doubt that under the present procedure claimants for old age pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act who wish to appeal against the decision of the Department of Health for Scotland are afforded every reasonable opportunity of stating their case to the Referees, and I am not satisfied that the course suggested in the latter part of the hon. Member's question is necessary.