§ Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Local Government Board how many local committees have been set up under the Naval and Military Pensions Act, 1915, and how many have still to be set up; whether he is aware that there is complaint regarding the apparent delay in tackling this work; and what arrangements are being made for carrying on the work of supplementing separation allowances in districts where no local committee exists?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERIn about 120 out of some 300 areas local committees have already been set up. Every effort has been and is being made to get them constituted at the earliest date practicable. Meanwhile arrangements have been effected with the voluntary organisations to continue to carry on the work of supplementing separation allowances where no local committee at present exists, or where it is not yet in a position to undertake the work.
§ Mr. FELLasked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received copies of resolutions or representations from local authorities urging that no expense or charge should be thrown on the local authorities in respect of pension committees; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERA few resolutions of this character have been received and their contents have been noted. The power of making payments towards the administrative expenses of local committees under the Naval and Military War Pensions Acts has only recently been conferred by Parliament on local authorities, and I am given to understand that it will be largely acted upon.