HC Deb 27 June 1966 vol 730 cc1216-7
18. Mr. Tinn

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether she will alter the regulations governing the replacement of a sickness benefit draft lost in the post, so that the beneficiary is not compelled to wait seven weeks before receiving payment.

Mr. Pentland

No, Sir. As I have explained to my hon. Friend a lost draft can be replaced immediately if delay would cause hardship.

Mr. Tinn

Is not my hon. Friend aware that many people who have suffered from such loss do not appear to be made aware of this provision? Will he take steps to ensure that they are made aware of it? The Ministry is surely better able to bear the occasional loss from abuse than is the average, innocent person who can be put to some inconvenience by having to wait so long?

Mr. Pentland

This procedure must be followed in order to protect public money but recipients should report the loss of a postal-draft as quickly as possible. Where hardship is involved, the local office can immediately bring forward a replacement. In the particular case my hon. Friend has in mind, the gentleman concerned had actually been back at work five days before he reported that he had lost his draft.

Mrs. Braddock

What steps are taken to ensure that the person cashing the postal draft is the person it is intended for? Is my hon. Friend aware that in some places where a number of people live in one house, a postal draft may be drawn by someone other than the person to whom it is addressed. There is no request at the post office to ensure that the person drawing the draft is the person it was intended for. Will he look at the situation and consider these difficulties?

Mr. Pentland

I will certainly look at the position.