asked the Minister for Education if a decision has yet been reached with reference to the claims of the pre-1950 pensioned teachers; and, if so, if it is proposed at an early date to grant them a lump sum as promised.

No decision has as yet been reached on the question of the payment of a retiring gratuity to teachers who went on pension before the 1st January, 1950.

Would the Minister say when he hopes to have a decision on the matter, because many of the back benchers have promised these teachers that they would get the lump sum at an early date?

I am always hopeful.