asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has been reached with regard to the former powers of the Special Grants Committee to make grants to widows of ex-service men suffering from serious and prolonged illness?

Mr. ROBERTS:

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any announcement in this matter.

When does the hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to make an announcement?

Mr. ROBERTS:

I am afraid it is impossible to state a definite date, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that every attention is being paid to the matter, and I will endeavour to speed it up.

Will the hon. Gentleman be able to make an announcement, if I repeat the question next week?

Mr. ROBERTS:

That I cannot say definitely, but I will do my best.