asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, in the case of an old age pensioner admitted to hospital by a local authority, the old age pension cannot be claimed without consent by the local authority; that in certain cases persons are having their pension taken without the pensioner's consent; and whether he will take steps to have this ended?

Where an old age pensioner is admitted to hospital by a local authority, his pension cannot properly be drawn by the local authority without the pensioner's consent. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of any case in which it is alleged that a local authority has obtained payment of a pension without a pensioner's consent, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases in which old people who were in hospital because they were sick are now being certified as not being sick, while they are being maintained at the hospital; and will he have inquiries made, as this appears to be a form of sharp practice to overcome the regulations?

Perhaps the hon. Member will send me any particulars he has.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply apply to old age pensioners who may have someone left at home to look after them?

If the hon. Member will read my reply to-morrow, he will see how far I went.