§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will explain the delay, since December, 1946, in paying her pension to Mrs. Pitcairn, 1 Church Drive, West Wickham, Kent; in view of the fact that Mrs. Pitcairn died on 30th May, if her family are entitled to the arrears; and if he will take disciplinary action against the official, or officials, concerned.
§ Mr. SteeleA book at the 26s. rate for this pensioner was sent to the local post office in October last but did not reach her. The case was cleared without undue delay after Mrs. Pitcairn's daughter had brought the matter to the notice of the Department in April through the local machinery of the Assistance Board. I regret, however, that the appropriate book only arrived after the pensioner's death. Arrears due will now be paid to the estate as soon as the necessary application has been received. The failure to deal with the case correctly at an earlier date was due in part of the heavy congestion of work at the central pensions office at that time and in part to the fact that the pensioner was asking for a renewal of a 10s. book when, according to the Department's records, a 26s. book had been issued current to December, 1947.