asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the British Sailors' Society is paying 12s. 6d. per week as a temporary grant to the father, an ex-serviceman, and the mother in order to meet their pecuniary need because a pension has been refused them for the loss of their son, a young county Down Man, who was serving in the Royal Navy, and who allowed them £1 per month to assist in meeting the expenses of the home for themselves and their two children; and whether he is prepared to free the British Sailors' Society from making payment in this case, of which particulars have been sent to him, by granting a pension to these bereaved parents?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend is looking into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure prompt and proper attention to the needs of soldiers'dependants by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee; and, as worries due to the negligence of this committee are causing in creasing anxiety to serving men and jeopardising their mental and physical efficiency, will he expedite the procedure of this committee?

My hon. Friend is satisfied that applications to this committee are promptly and properly dealt with when they reach the committee or the staff working for them, but there have in the past been delays in bringing applications to the knowledge of the committee, which it is hoped are now obviated, or through omission by the applicant of information required for decision. My hon. Friend fears that some disappointments are caused by misunderstanding of the function of the committee, which is empowered only to assist cases of hardship resulting from the man's war service.