§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why, when a supplementary old age pensions grant was applied for on behalf of Miss Elizabeth Clark, of 14, Espidair Street, Paisley, a lady aged 85, the means test was applied to the income of her niece, Mrs. Brown, with whom she lodges; and whether, as a result, Miss Clark was refused any supplementation of her pension?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am informed that when dealing with Miss Clark's application the Assistance Board's officer came to the conclusion on the facts before him that she was a member of the same household as her niece, and in view of the substantial resources of the household he decided that under the Act and Regulations he could not grant an allowance in supplementation of Miss Clark's old age pension. Miss Clark appealed against the officer's decision, but it was confirmed by the appeal tribunal whose decision is final on the facts before them.
§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a resolution from the Old Age Pensioners Association, in Methil, Fife, calling for an inquiry into the way in which supplementary pensions are at present administered, and the abolition of the means test in connection therewith; and whether, in view of considerable public disapproval of the whole administration of supplementary pensions, he will cause such an inquiry to be instituted?
§ Mr. BrownThe resolution to which the hon. Member refers and other resolutions of a similar nature are receiving my close consideration.