§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. WARRENasked the Minister of Pensions whether, with regard to his statement in the House of Commons on 31st July, 1919, re widows' and dependants' pensions, if the cause 242W of delay in respect of the payment of these has now been removed; and if his attention has been called to cases of hardship still existing owing to non-payment to parents of deceased soldiers?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANSThere has been considerable improvement since last July in the state of the work in the Widows' and Dependants' Branch of the Ministry, and this improvement is being maintained. Delays in the award and payment of parents' pensions still occur, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the great majority of these cases can only be settled after local inquiries, and the collection of evidence of dependence or means, which is often difficult to obtain.