§ Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health the number of claims made in respect of widows' pensions, to the latest date available; and what steps are contemplated towards giving all publicity among those eligible?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe number of claims made in England and Wales is 108,302, and I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, that the corresponding figure for Scotland is 16,637. I can assure the hon. Member that all available steps are being taken to bring to the notice of persons eligible the desirability of submitting their claims without delay. Application forms have been on issue for little more than two months, and already over 60 per cent. of the expected widows' claims have been received.
§ Mr. B. SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider employing a certain number of adult unemployed women who are experienced in Government work to cope with the present extra work in connection with the new pensions scheme?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by me to the hon. Member for Wandsworth (Sir H. Jackson) on the 20th instant.