§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into the cause of the delay in dealing with the application of Mr. D. McGrath, of 54, St. Bees Street, Moss Side, Manchester, Claim No. 43,394,206, for an old age pension under the Health Insurance Acts?
Sir H. YOUNGOn the information which has so far been obtained, the statutory conditions for the award of an old age pension are not satisfied in this case, but there is a suggestion that there was a period of employment which has not been taken into account. It cannot be assumed that the inclusion of that employment will complete title to pension, but efforts are being made to obtain verification of the employment and, if these efforts are successful, the claim will be reconsidered in the light of the additional information.
Mr. WESTasked the Minister of Health how many wives are drawing old age pensions under the contributory scheme?
Sir H. YOUNGApproximately 191,000 wives between the ages of 65 and 70 were in receipt of old age pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts in right of their husband's insurance on 30th September, 1934. No information is available as to the number of wives in receipt of pensions in right of their own insurance.