asked the Minister for Finance whether he will state the cause of the delay in dealing with a claim for an old age pension made by Mr. Edward Thornton, Moynalvey, Summerhill, Co. Meath, and whether he will take steps to have payment of this claim expedited.

I have caused inquiries to be made in this case and I find that the delay in dealing with the claim to old age pension made by Mr. Edward Thornton, of Moynalvey, Summerhill, Co. Meath, was caused solely by the claimant's failure to supply evidence of age, and by his inability to furnish such particulars as would enable the Pension Officer to obtain satisfactory evidence on the claimant's behalf.