Captain COOTEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. E. Knowles, 9, Kirgate Street, Old Walsoken, Norfolk (ring paper 6 D 1, 1,467), has been reduced to the greatest straits by the Ministry's delay in deciding her case; that she and her five children are on the parish and that the per week poor relief is her sole income; that these delays are becoming increasingly long; and what steps he is taking to expedite matters?
§ Major TRYONThis is a type of case which has occasioned a considerable amount of difficulty. The widow's claim to pension, under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant was originally rejected by the Ministry. The widow appealed to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal against this decision, and her appeal was allowed, but difficulty arose regarding the terms of the Tribunal's decision. I am glad to say, however, that an award of pension to Mrs. Knowles has now been authorised.