asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average length of time taken by his Department to issue widows' pension books following the death of the husband.

A review of cases made over a recent 15-week period indicates that where the necessary documentary evidence is provided the average time for the issue of a pension book is 16 days from the date of the claim, unless an adjustment on account of supplementary benefit being paid to the widow is necessary. In the latter case the pension book is normally issued about five to six weeks after the date of the claim.