§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the approximate cost of paying pensions direct into the insured's bank account when so requested; and if he will prepare a scheme for doing this whereby this sum would be deducted from the benefit.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe additional costs incurred in paying pensions direct into bank accounts would depend, among other things, on the numbers availing themselves of this method of payment. In any event, my right hon. Friend has no power to make deductions from benefits for administrative expenses.