§ 45. Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the parallel existence of separate Departments for the administration of war pensions, old age pensions, and 2500 widows', orphans' and old age contributory pensions; and whether he will consider the amalgamation of these separate services under one Department with a view to economy?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)These three pension systems are being administered under wholly different sets of Regulations and, apart from the actual process of payment, which is already being carried out in all three cases by the Post Office, I am inclined to doubt whether amalgamation in one Department would lead to any economy. The suggestion will, however, be borne in mind.