§ Colonel PERKINSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps are 329W being taken to expedite payment of pensions to established men over 60 who are being discharged at Sheerness and Portsmouth; what is the average time at which their pensions due begin to operate in all Such cases; and whether, as these men do not enjoy the benefit of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, he can take special steps to expedite the payment to them of moneys due, which in many cases they badly need?
§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLAll possible steps are taken to secure that pensions are awarded in such cases in time for the first payment of pension to be made on the due date which is usually the first day of the month following the date of discharge. So far as I am aware, cases of delay are very few, and in such cases an advance can usually be made by the Admiralty on account of the man's additional allowance if it is applied for.