asked the Minister of Pensions the reasons for the delay in the hearing of the appeal of Mrs. Alice Fletcher, of Great Harwood, widow of the late Corporal W. Fletcher, No. 1,228, Coldstream Guards; whether this appeal was lodged against the decision of his Ministry in September last; and whether he will take steps to expedite the hearing?

I regret the delay. Inquiries were being made with a view to establishing the claim; as, however, this has not proved possible, the papers have been forwarded to the tribunal with a request for an early hearing.