§ 6. Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that all persons affected are made aware that the opportunity to enter voluntarily into pensions insurance up till 55 years of age will cease on 2nd January, 1939?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have arranged for the display of posters at every post office and by many public bodies, and for the widespread distribution of an explanatory leaflet. Attention has been called to the scheme by all sections of the Press, and by the Department of Health in the course of their ordinary work. Advantage will continue to be taken of every suitable method of giving it publicity. I am grateful to many hon. Members for the steps they have taken, by letters in local newspapers, references in speeches, and otherwise, to bring to the notice of their constituents the importance of early application. I also wish to thank those public bodies and other organisations in Scotland who have co-operated by exhibiting posters and distributing leaflets.
§ Mr. LoganIs it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to issue a leaflet to be given out by all the approved societies with the issue of their cards?
§ Mr. ColvilleI will think over the suggestion.
§ Mr. MaxtonDoes the Secretary of State consider, from the applications that have come in already, that the knowledge of this is very widely spread, and will he consider the use of the wireless as a means of informing the public?
§ Mr. ColvilleI do not consider that it is so widely known as it should be, and efforts will be made to extend the knowledge of it. I will consider the suggestion made by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MathersHave the Scottish local weekly newspapers been asked to give publicity to this matter?
§ Mr. ColvilleYes, Sir, and a number of them have.