§ 35. Sir G. Sinclairasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to assume responsibility for the payment of overseas pensions directly to individual pensioners.
§ Mr. WoodI cannot yet give a date, but it will be as soon as possible after we have the necessary legislative authority and the agreement of the various overseas governments concerned.
§ Sir G. SinclairI welcome that statement, but would my right hon. Friend hasten the end of this process, both in the political interests of the countries concerned and to remove from pensioners themselves further worry about dislocation of payments?
§ Mr. WoodYes, Sir. I see the urgency of this, but legislation requires time, and time is required for other legislation.