§ 35. Sir J. Crowderasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why the insurance cards which date from 3rd March, 1958, are being issued without any correction of the old weekly rates of contributions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe printing of the 7 million contribution cards for issue in March, 1958, had already begun before Parliament, in November last, approved the Measure to increase the contribution rates; and it was neither practicable nor economical in the time then available to print fresh cards. Leaflets giving the correct rates were issued with the cards in March.
§ Sir J. CrowderWill the Minister consider inserting the leaflets inside the cards and not putting them loose into the envelopes where they might not be seen by the recipients?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI will note my hon. Friend's suggestion for a future occasion, but he will appreciate that when one is dealing with so very large a number of documents the staff costs and the time involved may be quite appreciable.