HC Deb 10 June 1947 vol 438 c844
9. Mr. Stanley Prescott

asked the Minister of National Insurance when it is anticipated the National Insurance scheme will come into full operation.

The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)

I would refer the hon. Member to reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant) yesterday.

Mr. Prescott

While desiring that this scheme should be brought into operation at the earliest possible moment, will the right hon. Gentleman first assure himself that the necessary adequate administration is in existence, and that there will be no fiasco as occurred in connection with old age pensioners?

Mr. Griffiths

There was no fiasco with regard to them. It is because we are very anxious to put the scheme into operation, and to make as certain as we can that we shall have adequate administration, that we have fixed the date of 5th July, 1948.

Mr. Prescott

Is it not a fact that there is still a fiasco in regard to Old Age Pensions?

Mr. Griffiths

No, Sir.