HC Deb 03 February 1958 vol 581 cc804-5
43. Mr. Mathew

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in view of the increasing number of pensioners of higher income groups who will from 1958 onwards be reaching pensionable age, he will now make arrangements when so requested by the pensioners, to pay the pension by cheque quarterly in arrears.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Though I have some sympathy with my hon. Friend's suggestion, I am afraid that it is not practicable in present circumstances to make the arrangements which he suggests.

Mr. Mathew

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this system is already followed in Canada, and that with the first payment of new pensioners in June, this year, there will be a widespread demand for payment by cheque?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

It is the very fact that this July we have to cope with the very large number—nearly 500,000—of late age entrants into insurance which makes it impossible, in present circumstances, to contemplate this sort of change, but, as I said in my main reply, I have a good deal of sympathy with this suggestion, and I should like to look at it a little later on.