Brigadier-General Brownasked the Minister of Health whether any decision has yet been arrived at by his Department which is considering the granting of a widow's pension to the widow of the late Alfred John Kemp; what are the causes which have delayed the decision in the matter; why have investigations into the case necessitated a delay of six months; and whether he will give an undertaking that the case shall receive prompt investigation and an early decision, in view of the poverty of the applicant?
§ Sir K. WoodOn the information at present available, Mrs. Kemp is not entitled to a widow's pension, because the statutory conditions are not satisfied. A formal decision has not, however, been issued owing to the contention that there were periods of employment for which there is at present no record of the payment of contributions. So far it has not been possible to substantiate the statement of employment, the position being complicated by the fact that one of the employers concerned is dead and another has changed his address, but every step is being taken to complete the investigation as quickly as possible.