Post-war Credits (Hansard, 25 June 1953)

§ 20. Captain Ryder
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to pay off post-war credits that have been bequeathed to charitable institutions and hospitals.

§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)
I am aware of this particular problem, but I regret I cannot say when it will be possible to authorise payment of post-war credit in these cases.

§ Captain Ryder
Would it not be reasonable to place charitable institutions and hospitals—I have particularly in mind the Roehampton Hospital—on the same basis as ordinary individuals?

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, there are a number of proposals as to the best method by which the payments of post-war credits could be accelerated when sufficient funds are available for that purpose, and this particular proposal will, of course, be considered by my right hon. Friend along with others.

§ Mr. Bowles
What advice does one give to a constituent who has lost his certificate of post-war credits?

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
Perhaps the hon. Gentleman, if he has a particular case in mind—procedure differs in different cases—would write to me with particulars and I will endeavour to furnish him with the necessary answer.

§ Sir H. Williams
As a charitable institution is neither a man nor a woman and cannot reach the age of 60 or 65 years, will they ever be paid off?

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
My earlier answer indicated that claims would be considered with others, but I agree with my hon. Friend that they are neither man nor woman.

§ 30. Sir Edward Keeling
asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a person approaching the age for repayment of his post-war credits is entitled to apply in advance for repayment on the date when he will attain that age, or only when he attains it.

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
A person applying for payment of post-war credits is required by law to satisfy the Commissioners of Inland Revenue that he had attained the qualifying age at the time of his application. But if he sent in the claim a short time beforehand, the Commissioners would have it examined so that payment might be made promptly when he reached the qualifying age and could formally claim payment.

§ Sir E. Keeling
Is my hon. Friend aware that some inspectors refuse even to entertain a claim until the 65th birthday has been reached, and would it not be a nice thing if a person entitled to repayment could be sent a cheque as a present for his 65th birthday? Will my hon. Friend inform all inspectors of his reply?

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
I think due publicity will be given to this Question and answer, and my hon. Friend himself has been good enough to draw my attention to a case in which a cheque arrived on the 65th birthday.

§ Mrs. Braddock
In view of the answer just given by the Parliamentary Secretary, will he alter the instructions on the application form which say that nobody can 2082 make application for their post-war credits before they reach the age of 65?

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
That accurately states the legal position but, as I have said, as a matter of convenience it is often the case that all the forms can be cleared before that. I will certainly look at the form to see if it does not convey accurately what it should convey.