§ 5. Mr. J. Harrisonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many different forms of advice and instructions his Department has issued explaining the present insurance scheme.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterInformation of this kind is conveyed on pension books, orders and application forms, as well as on a large number of explanatory leaflets, and notices in my local offices and post offices. I am much indebted to the Press and Radio for their constant help in the matter.
§ 6. Mr. J. Harrisonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will publish a comprehensive booklet giving the time, place and other conditions necessary for a claim to be made for National Insurance benefits.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThis information is contained in a publication called "Everybody's Guide to National Insurance." I propose to publish a new edition bringing the position up to date after the legislation now before Parliament has become law.
§ Mr. HarrisonThe Minister is aware, I am sure, that when there is any large-scale reorganisation within areas of 4 administration, unless complete publicity is given to these alterations they lead to a considerable amount of confusion among the general public who have to make applications for benefit. Is he aware that I have been very pleased to hear of some of the steps he proposes to take about future advertising?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am obliged to the hon. Member. I agree with him that it is very important that as much information as possible about this inevitably rather complex system is given to those concerned, which means, virtually, the whole of our population.