HC Deb 30 July 1937 vol 326 cc3503-4
16. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Health what method he is adopting to make known what the provisions of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions (Voluntary Contribu- tors) Act, 1937, are in relation to those between the ages of 40 and 55 years who join during the 12 months from the commencement of the Act?

Sir K. Wood

A booklet has been prepared in popular form entitled "The New Pensions Scheme." Hon. Members representing English or Welsh constituencies will, I hope, have received an advance copy this morning. By arrangement with my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General coloured posters will be displayed and copies of the booklet will be available from to-morrow onwards in all post offices in England and Wales. This applies also to all the London and Provincial offices of my Department. In addition, I am bringing the booklet to the special notice of a large number of organisations interested in the new scheme, with a view to their obtaining copies and distributing them to their members. I hope by these and other means to secure the widest possible publicity for the provisions of the Act and in particular for the special advantages it offers to those who apply and are accepted for membership of the scheme during the first year of its operation.

Mr. McEntee

Will copies in numbers be available to Members who may desire them?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir, certainly. I shall be glad to send any number that the hon. Gentleman or other hon. Members require.

Sir Arnold Wilson

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Federation of Women's Institutes is one of the organisations with which he is in negotiation?

Sir K. Wood

I think so, but I will let my hon. Friend know.