asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state when the increases of pension authorised by the Increases of Pension Act will be issued to the pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and whether, in view of the small means and the distress of many of these pensioners, he will give directions that such increases should be paid at the earliest possible moment?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the increases of pension authorised by the Pensions (Increase) Act are being issued to the pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary as rapidly as possible. The preliminary inquiries have been completed in over 1,800 cases, increases have already been paid, and the special staff appointed to expedite the work are dealing with the outstanding applications at a rate of over 500 a week.

Colonel NEWMAN:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when they will be completed; will it be before the end of the year?

The total number of cases outstanding is 2,150, and at the present rate of progress that is being made they ought to be completed in five weeks.

Are the pensions being paid as soon as they have been allocated?

Yes.

Are the worst cases being taken first?

It is very difficult to say which are the worst cases, as each person thinks his is.

Some of them are getting only 9s. a week.