HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 cc841-2
28. Mr. McKibbin

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is prepared to consider extending the period in which family allowances may be drawn from the present six months to twelve months to correspond with the period for which the book is issued and so avoid hardships where parents endeavour to save allowances over a period and then find some are out of date.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not think that a limit of six months is unreasonable for the cashing of a weekly order intended mainly to help with current family maintenance. But I will gladly consider any difficulties which my hon. Friend may feel have arisen.

Mr. McKibbin

Does my hon. Friend not consider that more publicity should be given to this six months' period as busy "captive Mums" have neither the time nor the inclination to read instructions? I know of one who has lost £28 16s., and I should like to know what happens to the "Mums" missed money.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Notice is given not only on the book itself, but on the individual order. I doubt whether it is really possible to make it clearer than that, but I will gladly consider any suggestion.