§ Mr. JENKINS (on behalf of Mr. Wilkie)asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware of the length of time which has elapsed in the case of a number of claimants for old age pensions in Dundee before the claim has been finally adjusted; and whether he will consider the possibility, in the interests of the claimants, to have all dawns expedited, or where delay is necessary, and through no fault of claimants, that the claim, if allowed, should be paid from the date when the claim has been lodged with the local pension officer?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEOwing to pressure of work and the difficulty in obtaining from claimants the necessary evidence of age, etc., there has, I find, been some delay in completing the investigation of certain claims to old age pensions in Dundee. But the hon. Member may rest assured that every effort will be made to ensure the prompt investigation of claims by pension officers. As regards the last part of the question, I may point out that there is no authority under the Act for allowing payment of pension to commence from any earlier date than the first Friday after the claim has been allowed by the Committee.