§ 32. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Health how many applications for pensions with special benefits were made in England and Wales under the 1937 Act, prior to the closing date on 2nd January, 1939, and how many of these applications have been granted?
§ Mr. ElliotThe number of applications received in England and Wales for admission to the new voluntary pensions scheme on the special terms offered to initial entrants was 693,136, of which 375,000 were received after 1st December, 1938. Up to 1st February last, the latest date for which the figures are available, 254,589 applications had been admitted.
§ Mr. GibsonWhat is the approximate proportion of the possible number of applications; and is the Minister satisfied with the response which has been made?
§ Mr. ElliotI think the response made, particularly in the closing stage, was very remarkable indeed and very satisfactory. I cannot give any information as to the proportion, because a great many have yet to be decided.
§ Mr. GibsonI was referring to applications and not to those which have been granted.
§ Mr. ElliotAs to the applications, I should have liked to have seen more people taking advantage of the offer. Still, I think 693,000 is a very good number.