§ 37. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will explain the estimated increases of £50,000 and £300,000 in refunds of overpayments, and recoveries from arrears of pensions, etc., respectively, in respect of National Assistance grants, etc., in 1962–63.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe Estimate figures for these receipts for the current year are approximately the same as the actual out-turn for 1961–62. The latter exceeded the estimate no doubt largely as result of the increases in National Insurance and National Assistance benefits in April, 1961.
§ Mr. BoydenCan the Minister be quite sure that he has not issued harsher instructions to his officer to press people who may make mistakes? Can he also be sure that it is not due to inefficiency in some offices?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir. If the hon. Member studies my original reply, he will see that the figures are the same as the actual out-turn for last year.