§ Miss LAWRENCEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mr. Giffed, 20, Monega Road, Forest Gate, applied for an old age pension in September, 1927, and that no decision has yet been arrived at; and whether there is any prospect of a speedy settlement?
§ Sir K. WOODThe claim to which the hon. Member refers was rejected because on the claimant's insurance record he was not an insured person at the material date. On appeal to the Referees appointed under the Contributory Pensions Act, he alleged that he should have been insured in respect of certain employments for which no contributions had been paid, and applied for a decision under Section 89 of the National Health Act as to whether these employments were subject to insurance. Great difficulty has been experienced in ascertaining from the claimant the facts necessary for a decision and two oral hearings have been required for that purpose. A decision has, however, now been given which will enable a pension to be awarded, unless the employer concerned successfully appeals to the High Court against the decision. Subject to any such appeal, for which the prescribed period of three weeks must be allowed, the pension will be paid.