HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc216-7W
Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Minister of Health whether a widow over 60 years of age, in receipt of a pension under the Royal Warrant, is considered for the award of a modified old age pension under Section 53, Clause 3 (a), of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939; and, in this event, is she disqualified from receiving sickness payments from her approved society?

Mr. M. MacDonald

If a widow between the ages of 60 and 65, who is insured in her own right and in receipt of a pension under the Royal Warrant, claims and is awarded an old age pension by virtue of the provisions of Section 14 (3) of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, she will not be entitled to receive- sickness payments from her approved society.

Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Minister of Health whether, in determining the needs of a household where an application is made for supplementary pension, it is his intention that the cost of living bonus of 1s. 6d. for an adult should be allowed in the case of all persons over the age of 16 years in the household; and, if so, will he make such intention known to all appeal tribunals as doubt has arisen in some quarters where they have refused to give a decision on this point?

Mr. MacDonald

The Regulations provide that the 1s. 6d. cost of living addition is to be given in the case of the pensioner, the husband or wife, and any other dependants of the pensioner and so far as the Board are aware this is done. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and cares to let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made, with a view if necessary to clarifying the point with appeal tribunals.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications made for supplementary pensions in the county borough of West Ham; how many have been approved; how many rejected; and the average amount allowed?

Mr. MacDonald

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a similar Question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on I7111 instant. With regard to the last part of the Question, the average amount for the country as a whole is 8s. 10d.