§ 8. Mr. Archerasked the Minister of Social Security whether she has now received the report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee into the advisability of conferring upon insurance officers a discretion to pay benefits which are not paid within six months from the date when they were receivable; and what action she is taking.
§ The Minister of Social Security (Mrs. Judith Hart)No, Sir. The time limits on payment of benefits which are under review involve the consideration of a complex of inter-related problems.
The Committee will, of course, report to me as soon as they can, and I shall then consider what action is needed.
§ Mr. ArcherWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the people concerned do not move in well-informed circles and that all the provision which she makes for them is completely frustrated at the moment, when they find out too late?
§ Mrs. HartYes, it is exactly in this context that the Committee will be considering the three kinds of time limit involved.
§ Mr. WorsleyWill the right hon. Lady seek to expedite this review? Is she aware, for instance, that real hardship is caused in the case of a widow who, because she was separated from her husband, did not know of his death?
§ Mrs. HartYes, I am sure that the Committee will work as fast as it can. There were three months for the receipt of representations on this matter, which has just now expired, so I am sure that the Committee will be continuing as fast as it can.