asked the Minister of National Insurance why a claim for family allowance, made by Mr. A. W. A. Mitchell, 26, Sharsted Camp, Doddington, Sittingbourne, Kent, in August, 1950, in respect of his family of six children was not dealt with until December; why he was then granted an allowance for one child only and informed that he owed her Department£53 5s. 0d.; and how soon can a settlement of this claim be expected.

As the case is complicated I am writing to my hon. Friend about it.