43. Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYasked the Pensions Minister if he will have inquiry made into the claim of Mrs. Williams, of 44, Kingsway, Waterloo, Liverpool, the widowed mother of the late Flight-Cadet H. W. Williams, Royal Air Force, to parent's pension; whether this man was killed in August, 1918, and that an application for parents' pension was made by the local committee in December of last year; and if he will have inquiry made into the reason for this delay, and make strong representations to the proper quarters?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI have to express great regret that there has been such delay in this case. It is being expedited. Difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the necessary evidence. An interim award of 5s. a week has now been made, with arrears from the date of cessation of separation allowance, and this award will be increased when the inquiry is completed, if the circumstances are found to justify it.
§ Sir J. CRAIGI do not think any good purpose would be served by trying to apportion the blame. I have expressed great regret that there has been delay, and I am trying to get it settled as soon as possible.