§ 14 and 15. Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of National Insurance (1) whether, in view of the hardship caused to old age pensioners in country districts, she will consider making special arrangements whereby, when there are several members of one family living together and drawing old age pensions, one member of the family may be appointed to draw all the pensions, and thus make it unnecessary for them all to make the tiring journey often required in the country to reach the nearest post office;
(2) whether she is aware that the present regulations governing the appointment of proxies by old age pensioners are causing hardship in country areas where the journey to the nearest post office may require them to walk two or three miles, owing to the fact that pensioners are required to certify that they are prevented by illness from attending in person; and whether she will consider adding the words or infirm to the wording on the back of pension order forms and Form B.F.73 (Revised).
§ Dr. SummerskillWithout at the moment committing myself to details, I am considering what steps can be taken to meet the difficulties mentioned by the hon. Member.