Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will issue instructions to his office at Newcastle that when it requests the return to it of a pension book it will inform the pensioner of the reason for the withdrawal of the book.
§ Mr. DeanThe Department's central office at Newcastle does not normally ask a pensioner to return his order book. On the rare occasions when it is necessary to stop payment of the pension, for example to prevent an overpayment, the post office is asked to return the book, and usually the reason is known to the pensioner.
I understand that in a recent case with which the hon. Member has been concerned the local office has now made satisfactory arrangements for payment. I regret any inconvenience the pensioner has been caused.