§ Mr. Churchillasked the Minister of Overseas Development what representations she has received on behalf of the Overseas Service Pensions Association in regard to the assumption of responsibilities for the payment of those pensions by the United Kingdom Government; and what reply she has sent.
§ Mr. John Grant:There has been continuous and close liaison with the association, and I met the president of the association and some of his colleagues last December. They have consistently advocated that the assumption by the British Government of responsibility for these pensions should be completed as early as possible. They have raised particular matters in relation to widows. I explained that it had taken longer to 237W implement the policy than was originally expected but that we were urgently seeking ways of accelerating progress. I was ready to examine the other matters raised.
The present position, of which the association is aware, is set out in my reply to the hon. Member for Rye (Mr. Godman Irvine) on 6th March.—[Vol. 887, c. 494–95.] I take the opportunity further to assure these pensioners that it is our intention to complete this somewhat complicated task as soon as we can.