§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to make a decision about the entitlement of Mrs. C. M. Lacey to retirement pension, first raised by her with his Department in 1980 and raised again by the hon. Member for Essex, South East on 8 February; and what are the reasons for such delays.
§ Mr. RossiFollowing Mrs. Lacey's first approach to her local office in June 1980 to resolve questions concerning her contribution position and future pension entitlement efforts were made at local level to explain her position. As the matter was not resolved to her satisfaction Mrs. Lacey was advised to apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for formal determination of the 557W question from what date she could pay class three contributions under the Social Security Act 1975 and this she did on 30 March 1982. Following investigations into her case an explanatory letter was sent to her on 17 June. Mrs. Lacey replied on fifth July and raised a new point which is at present being investigated. My right hon. Friend will give his decision on the question raised when these investigations are concluded unless any further points arise.