§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total disbursement of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pension Scheme in Scotland from the commencement of the scheme to 31st December, 1928; and how much was received as the State contribution to the cost of such a scheme in Scotland during that period?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe total sum disbursed up to 31st December, 1928, in payment of pensions awarded in Scotland under the Contributory Pensions Act, including administration expenses, was £4,421,900. As regards the second part of the question, the expenditure on pensions during the period referred to has been met out of accumulated pensions contributions, and it has not yet been necessary to draw upon the State contribution of £4,000,000 per annum for 10 years being paid into the Treasury Pensions Account in terms of Subsection 3 of Section 11 of the Contributory Pensions Act.
§ Mr. SHINWELLasked the Minister of Health whether, in the event of the recipient of a widow's pension proceeding to the Dominions, she forfeits her right to pension; and if so, whether she receives a grant of money in lieu thereof?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer to the first. part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.
§ Mr. W. TH0RNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that wives of old age pensioners under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1926, who, in consequence of being medically unfit are unable to obtain employment, must obtain a medical certificate to that effect; and if he has authorised such instructions to be issued?
§ Sir K. WOODI am not clear as to the class of case which the hon. Member has in mind, but if he will furnish me with particulars of a specific case I will look into the matter.