HC Deb 08 March 1940 vol 358 cc771-2

1.15 p.m.

Mr. Elliot

I beg to move in page 7, line 30, to leave out from "and," to the end of line 31, and to insert: as to the manner in which supplementary pensions are to be paid and shall in particular provide for enabling pensioners to obtain payment thereof. This is an Amendment put down to carry out the promise I gave to the hon. Member for East Stirling (Mr. Woodburn), and its effect is to require that the regulations shall enable pensioners to accept payment of their supplementary pensions at the post office.

Amendment agreed to.

1.18 p.m.

Mr. Edmund Harvey (Combined English Universities)

I beg to move, in page 7, line 32, at the end, to insert: through the post office or otherwise if required. This Amendment is to make it perfectly clear that the major way by which old age pensioners will receive their pensions is through the post office. I am sure that is the intention of the Minister and of Parliament. The Government have still left in the words "through the Post Office," but I think there is something to be said for making the position perfectly clear that the main method of paying pensions shall be through the post office.

Mr. Elliot

I think the Amendment which has already been accepted makes the point perfectly clear, and there may be some difficulty if these words are inserted. I think the hon. Member put down his Amendment under the impression that the words "through the Post Office" were to be left out, but as they are not, I think the Clause is quite clear. If not, I will look at the point later.

Mr. Harvey

On the assurance of the Minister, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.