HC Deb 27 June 1955 vol 543 cc2-3
2. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that many Aberdeen old age pensioners live in the newly developed housing estates of Northfield and Mastrick; that these estates are hilly and remote from the pensions office in the City of Aberdeen; that it is difficult and expensive to old age pensioners to travel to and fro to collect their pensions; and if he will provide facilities for old age pensioners to collect their pensions in Northfield and Mastrick accordingly.

The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. Osbert Peake)

There have been very few complaints from retirement pensioners in these areas. At Northfield, I understand that two days ago a new sub-post office replaced the temporary counter service which for the last four months has enabled pensioners to cash their orders locally. As my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General indicated in his reply on 15th June, he hopes to invite applications for the sub-postmastership at Mastrick early next month.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that old-age pensions were granted on the implied condition that they would be paid to pensioners at places reasonably near their homes; and as the present situation in these two districts is imposing expense and injustice on these old-age pensioners, what does the Minister propose to do to recompense them?

Mr. Peake

As my answer pointed out, there will be a new sub-post office available very shortly in each of these two suburbs of Aberdeen. In the meantime, any pensioner can, of course, authorise a friend or relative to draw his pension for him.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister realise that these pensioners have been already put to expense out of their small pensions, which is very unjust and unfair, and can he say what compensation or recompense it is proposed to make to them?

Mr. Peake

No, Sir. Places are always available in the shopping centres where pensions can be drawn, and I am quite sure that a number of good Samaritans who are prepared to help these people can be found in Aberdeen, as, indeed, elsewhere.