asked the Minister of Pensions what delay takes place between the time when a man initiates am appeal to an Independent Appeal Tribunal and the hearing of his case.

The period which elapses between the lodging of an appeal and its hearing by the Tribunal varies according to the type of case. Preference is given to cases in which an early decision is specially desirable, such as appeals by widows or by seriously disabled members of the Forces. Where the disablement is comparatively slight or a pension is already in payment a longer period is necesarily involved in view of the difficulties of man power. As the position in this respect eases the hon. and gallant Member may be assured that every endeavour will be made to speed up the submission of oases to the Tribunals.