§ MR. BRODIE (Surrey, Reigate)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the great pressure of work which is placed upon the old-age pension officers during the initiation of the scheme, and the inconvenience and possible loss entailed upon the prospective pensioners who, as at present arranged, will have to remain at home to receive their pension order books which are to be personally delivered to them by the pension officers, he will give instructions for the books to be sent by registered post in the case of those persons to whom 55 pensions will be payable on the first Friday in January next.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) I am afraid that it would not be practicable to adopt this suggestion. The pension officer is required to witness the pensioner's signature upon the cover of the book. If this requirement were dispensed with the danger of the use of the books by unauthorised persons would be very seriously increased.