HC Deb 08 February 1973 vol 850 cc630-1
12. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether arrangements are being made in Northern Ireland to introduce the payment of unemployment benefit by post.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Yes, Sir. It is planned to make all payments by post from the week beginning 2nd April.

Mr. Madel

I am grateful for the Minister's reply. Will he tell the House how this new practice compares with the situation in the rest of the United Kingdom?

Mr. van Straubenzee

I understand, Sir, that in Great Britain there are only pilot schemes in some offices. If that is correct, as I believe it to be, Northern Ireland in this respect is ahead of other parts of the United Kingdom.

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