HC Deb 01 February 1965 vol 705 cc698-9
3. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether she is aware of the effort required to stamp cards in respect of weekly contributions; and what consideration she has given to an alternative system to eliminate the present procedures.

Mr. Pentland

Adhesive stamps for paying flat-rate contributions have many advantages for small employers and the self-employed and non-employed. For large employers alternative means of payment are already available and widely used.

Mr. Shepherd

Does the hon. Gentleman see any possibility of some radical alteration in the system, since the sticking on of these stamps to the present extent is a considerable waste of time and one is apt to continue procedures which have only time to commend them and not look around for radical alternatives?

Mr. Pentland

The possibility of alternative methods has been closely examined on a number of occasions, but at the moment we cannot see any alternative to the present system.

Mr. Wood

Is this matter a subject of the review which the right hon. Lady is undertaking? Perhaps we could be told when we are likely to get any results from the review and what form it is taking.

Mr. Pentland

I understand that my right hon. Friend will be answering Questions later concerning the review. As the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, we have examined other possibilities, but at the moment we are not making provision for any other method.