§ Captain RAMAGEasked the Minister of Pensions why no payment of the pension awarded by him was made to Lieutenant W. J. Waters, of 226, Mill Lane, Newcastle-on-Tyne, from the 31st March, 1924, till his death on the 30th June, 1924; why no payment of the arrears due has since been made to Lieutenant Water's widow; and why, if there are any adjustments to be made on the death of a pensioner, so long a delay is required?
Mr. ROBERTSI have made inquiry and am informed that payment could not he made to Lieutenant Waters after the 31st March, because he failed to place himself in communication with the Paymaster-General. The first application for the payment of the arrears to the next of kin was contained in the hon. and gallant Member's letter, which was received in the Ministry on the 10th instant. The necessary inquiries were made at once and as soon as possible the Paymaster-General was requested to communicate with Mrs. Waters with a view to the issue of the arrears due to her husband's estate. I understand that he has now done so.