19. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Pensions Minister whether payment can now be made to Mrs. James Robinson, 48, Arthur Street, Middlesbrough, the wife of ex-Stoker James Robinson, first class, No. K24942, Royal Navy, of the gratuity of 15 awarded April, 1918, but withheld on account of any claim the Middlesbrough Board of Guardians might make for the mental treatment of her husband; is he aware that the clerk to the Middlesbrough Board of Guardians officially states that his board has made no claim for this gratuity; and. as this woman is in necessitous circumstances and the gratuity is sixteen months overdue, can he see his way to expedite this payment being made?
§ The MINISTER for PENSIONS (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)The board of guardians have so far made no claim to the gratuity, but they have not yet informed the Ministry of Pensions that they do not intend to do so. They have been asked to expedite their reply, and if it is favourable the gratuity will at once be paid.