§ 62. Mr. K. Thompsonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many applications have been received for National Service grants; how many have been approved; and what steps he is taking to reduce the delay in dealing with applications.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe total number of these applications which had reached my Department by 16th November was 5,770 of which 4,055 had been approved for awards in accordance with the regulations of the Service Departments. The number outstanding was 169 of which 139 had been received in the last three days.
As my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister indicated in the House on 23rd October steps have already been taken to reduce to a minimum the time taken to deal with applications. My right hon. Friends and I are, however, keeping a close watch on the position.