Colonel NEWMAN:

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received resolutions from Local War Pensions Committees that delay is constantly experienced, and forms a legitimate ground of complaint, in obtaining decisions or claims for alternative pensions, and that this delay is due to the referring of such claims to regional head quarters; that to investigate claims locally is a more expeditious, sympathetic, and satisfactory method; and that a searching inquiry should be con ducted into the whole system of regional administration; and what action does he propose to take?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers given to the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth in reply to similar questions on the 2nd December, of which I am sending him copies. My hon. and gallant Friend will see that recent reports in the working of the new alternative pension procedure show a material shortening of the period taken under the old procedure to arrive at a decision.

Colonel NEWMAN:

Is it not a fact that this system leads to the employment of a great many more people in pensions administration?

I am satisfied that that is not the case.

Will not the system ultimately lead to a considerable reduction?

I believe that that is so.