asked the Minister of Health what is the average time taken by the Registrar-General's office to answer correspondence calling for evidence about the date of birth of an individual, particu- larly in respect of claims for old age pensions and family allowances; and what action has been, and is being, taken to reduce the time required.

I am informed by the Registrar-General that, owing mainly to heavy arrears accumulated during the period of lighting restrictions, the average time taken is about three weeks as compared with the normal three or four days Extra assistance is being recruited for this section. The special birth certificates for old age pension and family allowance purposes are not obtained from the General Register Office but from local superintendent registrars.