§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the sister of Thomas Emmanuel Webb, petty 848W officer, O.N. 149,238, attached to H.M.S. "President IV.," received separation allowance from the Admiralty, and on his death was paid the gratuity, etc., due to him; that she applied for a dependant's pension, which was acknowledged on 30th October, 1919; that since then on several occasions she has applied to the local committee, which has informed her they are still waiting a decision from headquarters; the reason for the prolonged delay in arriving at a decision; and, seeing her position financially is now a very serious one, what steps he proposes to take to settle this claim?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI regret the delay which has occurred, but I am glad to inform my hon. Friend that it has now been decided that the disease of which Petty Officer Webb died resulted from his service. Instructions have therefore been given for an award of a dependant's pension to be made if the applicant is eligible under the Order in Council.