asked the Minister of Health how many applications for an orphan pension under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act., 1925, have been received; how many have been granted; how many have been rejected; and how many applications are still undecided?

On the lastest figures available, the total number of applications for orphans' pensions received in England, Scotland and Wales is 16,239, but this figure includes 718 claims which were withdrawn or were duplicate claims. The number of claims for examination was, therefore, 15,521, of which 11,611 have been awarded, 3,518 rejected and 392 are still undecided. My right hon. Friend would point out that an application may include more than one child.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of these cases after six months have not yet been decided, and can he explain the delay?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars, as I have often said to him, I will make inquiries.