§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the dependants of James Crook, late of 18, Coningsby Road, South Ealing, who died on 2nd October last at King Edward VII. Hospital, Ealing, are being kept out of the payment of the sum of £7 10s., or thereabouts, for funeral allowances, admittedly due to them in respect of the said James Crook's burial, on the ground or under the pretence that such sum cannot be paid until the Local Committee meet and confirm the payment; and whether, having regard to the fact that the Ministry have superseded the Committee by the appointment of an officer to control the administration of pensions, and so acted as to impute to the Committee or its officers irregularities which, after an investigation extending over 11 weeks by a large Government staff, cannot be formulated, and thereby and otherwise cast a slur upon the Committee and the Borough of Ealing, he will direct that payment shall be made by the officer in possession to the dependants of the man without further delay?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. and learned Member is under some misapprehension444W in assuming that the administrative functions of the Ealing Committee have been superseded by the appointment of an officer of the Ministry under the Order of the 4th September, 1920. Grants under the Regulations in respect of funeral expenses do not require the prior approval of a committee meeting. In the specific cases to which the hon. and learned Member refers, no request to make payment has yet been received by the officer of the Ministry appointed under the Order referred to.
§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that the regional director for the London region of the Ministry admits the receipt of the registered letter from the Ealing Local Committee, on the 12th November instant, containing the charges made therein, he will explain why no attempt was made to deny such charges or otherwise reply to such letter until the 20th November, and then only in consequence of a question appearing on the Order Paper of this House asking why no reply had been sent or steps taken to protect the Local Committee from the intolerable bureaucratic action of the officials of the Ministry?
§ Major TRYONIt is not the practice of the Department to deny charges, however incredible, made against officials without first bringing the allegation to the notice of the officials concerned and making full investigation. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the letter in question received sufficiently prompt attention.