§ 31. Mr. T. SMITH (for Mr. THORNE)asked the Minister of Health whether the Ministry have yet come to a decision in the case of Mrs. A. E. Wickens, of 161, Charlemont Road, East Ham, which was adjourned at Stratford Court for a decision to be made as to her late husband's position under the National Health and Widows' and Orphans' Contributory Pensions Acts?
Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)I have been asked to reply. It is not yet possible to give a decision in this case. The application which has been 497 made to my right hon. Friend is for a formal determination under Section 89 of the Insurance Act; this necessitates legal procedure involving the different parties which must inevitably take some time, and may eventually require an oral hearing of the case. The necessary formalities are now in process of completion and a decision will not be deferred any longer than is needed to comply with the legal requirements in the matter.