§ 17. Sir Edmund Findlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give any estimate of the number of people in Scotland eligible to take advantage of the recent extension of the voluntary pensions scheme; the number who have already applied to do so; and what steps have been taken, or are in contemplation, to ensure a widespread understanding of the great additional benefits which the scheme makes available for those who apply during the first year of its operation?
§ Mr. ColvilleUp to date the total number of persons who have applied for admission as special voluntary contributors is 28,000. I am unable to make any precise estimate of the total number of persons eligible, but it is very greatly in excess of this figure. Following on the passing of the Act in July, 1937, the scheme was brought prominently to the notice of the public through the medium of the Press and the B.B.C. Leaflets and posters have also been widely used, and public bodies of every description have co-operated fully in giving it publicity. I am considering what further publicity measures can be taken.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these voluntary contributors have been transferred from the previous voluntary contributory scheme?