§ 37. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health the reason for the long delay in settling applications for old age pensions; why there has been a change in the procedure; and whether he will consider reverting back to the old method so that cases can be dealt with expeditiously?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is not aware that there is long delay in the settlement of applications for old age pensions, though delay may have occurred in some cases during the period immediately following the adoption of the new procedure. The change of procedure was rendered necessary by the extended provision as regards old age pensions made by last year's Act, and my right hon. 810 Friend is not prepared to revert to the old method, which would involve the use of two distinct forms of application and would not be in the interests of the applicants themselves.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that pensions officers are complaining bitterly because of applications being held up for periods of two or three months, and that all this time old age pensioners are not in receipt of any payment?
§ Sir K. WOODI am not aware of that; but on the whole, having regard to the fact that the new procedure has only just been instituted, I think the arrangement is working satisfactorily.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I have sent him a case where a pension has been held up for more than three months?
§ Sir K. WOODI believe there were special circumstances in that case. The hon. Member must remember that that is only one case out of many.