HC Deb 17 June 1947 vol 438 cc189-90W
3. Sir J. Lucas

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will now arrange for pensions for Mrs. R. W. Scaddon, 52, Osborne Street, and Mrs. A. E. Smith, 11, Heidelberg Road, and for payment of pension arrears to Mrs. A. A. Lovett, Flat 12, Glasgow Road, all of Southsea, and all of whose applications are of long standing.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Letters have been sent to the hon. Member telling him of the position in the cases to which he refers. Mrs. Scaddon's claim has been rejected. Mrs. Smith's pension has been awarded subject to adjustment for arrears. Outstanding arrears have been paid to Mrs. Lovett.

6. Mr. McKay

asked the Minister of National Insurance what has caused the delay in settling the claim for an old age contributory pension by R. E. Anderson, Bigges Main House, Wallsend, since the application was made in October, 1946, and the applicant ceased work in January, 1947, while acknowledgments to correspondence have been received but no payment has yet been made.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Pension order books at the increased rates were sent to the local officer of the Assistance Board on 12th June for delivery to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. As Mr. Anderson entered insurance after his both birthday his case presented difficulties and involved special inquiries.

Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of National Insurance why no reply was sent to the hon. Member for Darwen before 10th June in respect of the letter he wrote on 22nd April concerning the claim of a constituent, whose name has been supplied, and she was entitled to an increased old age pension; why, when a reply was sent, it merely stated that the matter was being investigated; and what action he is taking to avoid delay in similar cases.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The hon. Member's constituent's claim to an increased pension on her own insurance only became known to the Department on receipt of the hon. Member's letter of 22nd April. After investigation the claim was rejected and the claimant was so informed on 14th June. I regret the delay in sending an Interim reply to the bon Member.

Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of National Insurance when the present long delays between the time when an old age pensioner applies for his or her pension at the increased rate and he or she is issued with a new book will be cleared up.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) today.