HC Deb 17 November 1937 vol 329 c400
68. Mr. Leonard

asked the Minister of Health how many old age pensioners during 1936 failed to present their pension vouchers within the three-month period they are valid and the total loss thus sustained?

Mr. Bernays

I regret that I am unable to furnish the information for which the hon. Member asks. The totals recorded in the appropriate Pension Account or Vote are the amounts of the pension orders cashed at Post Offices. The amount of uncashed or out of date orders could only be ascertained by maintaining personal records for each of some 2,500,000 old age pensioners, and would involve heavy administrative charges without commensurate advantage.

Mr. Leonard

In view of the difficulties experienced sometimes by poor pensioners who cannot collect the pension for three months, will the hon. Member consider abolishing this regulation which makes it impossible to collect the pension after three months?

Mr. Bernays

I cannot do that. The arrangement has been in operation since the pensions were established in 1911, and the Ministry of Health has had very few complaints.

Mr. Leonard

Although the complaints are few, is not that one reason why the condition should be eliminated?

Mr. Bernays

No, Sir. It shows that the three months period is a sufficient period of grace.