§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Financial (Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the War Office, on 27th October, 1914, issued instructions, in connection with separation allowance, that the pension 1015W officer shall report through the local pension committee or sub-committee; whether he is aware that the Local Government Board (Ireland) issued instructions on 13th November, 1914, directing the pension officer to send claims agreed upon direct to the various paymasters or the Admiralty; and whether he will say why the rule made by the War Office on 27th October, 1914, is not strictly adhered to, namely, that all claims should be sent through pension committees, or sub-committees?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe instructions issued by the Local Government Board, Ireland, were framed with the object of securing an early payment of the allowance to the soldier's dependant, and avoiding the delay likely to be caused by reference to London in the event of difference of opinion between the pension officer and the pension committee. It is, of course, understood that the right of appeal against the assessment is in no way affected; and all appeals are referred to the pension committees.