§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Minister of Health what is the total number of pensions now awarded in accordance with the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Pensions Act, 1929?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe actual number of pensions awarded up to date under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1929, is 31,707, of which 1,971 are in respect of persons who, immediately prior to 2nd January, 1930, were not entitled to receive a pension by reason of certain of the disqualifying provisions of the 1925 Act which were removed by the 1929 Act. Over 150,000 claims under the Act are at present being investigated, the great majority being from widows whose title to pension will not begin until 1st July next. These figures refer to England and Wales only.