HC Deb 08 May 1961 vol 640 cc1-2
1. Mr. Holland

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether it is the sole purpose of the War Pensioners' Welfare Service to ensure that pensioners receive all the monetary benefits that are available to them; and what steps have been taken to ensure that the availability of the service is known to all war pensioners.

The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenrer)

No, Sir. It is also intended to secure for them any help which they need, and it works for this purpose closely with the voluntary bodies.

In reply to the second part of this Question, a very wide variety of steps are taken. As I told the House on 27th February, I shall be again writing to war pensioners this summer, and sending them a leaflet which sets out the up-to-date war pensions provisions.

Mr. Holland

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reassuring reply, may I ask him whether he will bear in mind that older people often tend to be forgetful and that periodic outbursts of publicity or reminders of this excellent service would not come amiss?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I agree with what my hon. Friend says. It is a good deal with that in mind that I am this summer taking the step that I outlined in my Answer.