HC Deb 02 August 1951 vol 491 cc274-5W
114. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many times a year old age pensioners are visited by her officers; the total number of officers so employed; their means of locomotion; the total amount of the salaries; the cost of transportation; and the total cost of this service.

Dr. Summerskill

Non-contributory pensioners and pensioners in receipt of assistance are usually visited by officers of the National Assistance Board once a year. Certain pensioners whose circumstances require it may be visited more frequently. These visits are combined with other duties connected with the administration of National Assistance and it is not possible to show their cost separately. Routine visits are not normally paid by officers of the Ministry of National Insurance though a visit is occasionally necessary if information required cannot be obtained through the post. I am having inquiries made into the case, particulars of which the hon. Member has sent me and will write to him about it.