§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Minister of Overseas Development how many British former civil servants are currently being denied pensions due to them arising from service under the former East African High Commissions; what is the longest time for which any person has been denied his entitlement; what is the current 35W average delay in the payment of such pensions; how much is currently outstanding in benefits; and what action she has taken to ensure proper payments are made.
§ Mrs. Hart:In July we agreed to take over payment of pensions to the former East African High Commission civil servants for whom we have special responsibility. Not all the necessary information has been received and I regret that I cannot provide the figures for which the hon. Member asks. Ex gratia advances are available where delay is being experienced, so I should be glad to hear of any special problems of which the hon. Member may be aware.