§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Minister of Health why the widow's pension of Mrs. J. E. Sellers, of Boreham Wood, pension number S. 7,398, was stopped on 15th May as she was 58 years of age and eligible for pension under the Act of 1929; if he can give the reason for the dalay in reissuing the pension, the latest communication from the Ministry, dated 30th June, reference number W.P. 24,491,050, having stated that the claim is still under consideration; and whether he will give an assurance that pensions in similar cases shall not be discontinued in future?
Sir H. YOUNGAs regards the first and second parts of the question, the pension to which Mrs. Sellers was entitled under the Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, ceased on 15th May, 1932, when her youngest child attained the age of 16. Before a pension could be put into payment under the Act of 1929 it had to be established that Mrs. Sellers had attained the age of 55. In connection with her claim under the Act of 1925, she completed two claim forms, on each of which she gave a different date as the date of her birth. In connection with that claim it was not necessary under the Act to 635W determine her age. She did not make application for a pension under the Act of 1929 until 16th June, and, as she failed to enter on the claim form certain material information, including the date of her birth, it was necessary to return the form to her for completion. The completed form was received on 30th June, and showed still a third date of birth differing from the dates previously given. Inquiries are now being made with a view to determining the correct date. As regards the third part of the question, the hon. Member will appreciate that a pension cannot be put into payment until it is shown that the statutory conditions have been satisfied.