§ 71. Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that several weeks elapse before the payment of a pension to a widow applicant; and whether he will take steps, in view of the hardship caused by delay to many poorer applicants, to accelerate the proceedings in regard to the granting of such pensions where the conditions are found at once to be complied with?
§ The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)As my hon. Friend will appreciate, such a pension cannot be awarded until it has been ascertained that all the statutory conditions are fulfilled. Inquiries necessary to establish title are completed with as little delay as possible, and, as soon as it is clear that the statutory conditions are fulfilled, immediate steps are taken to enable the widow to obtain payment of her pension.
§ Mr. MesserIs the Minister aware that, notwithstanding that fact, there is a big gap between the last inquiry and the payment of a pension?
§ Sir K. WoodIf the hon. Gentleman will give me any particulars, I will look into them.
§ Lieut.-Commander TufnellIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is often a delay of as much as six weeks?
§ Sir K. WoodThat is because there has sometimes to be prolonged investigation. If the hon. and gallant Member can give me any case, I will inquire into it.
§ Mr. LipsonWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether the gap can possibly be shortened?
§ Sir K. WoodMy Department are always trying to do this.