§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, as part of a Christmas bonus scheme, she will consider issuing to retirement pensioners a supply of postage stamps, to offset specifically the effects of increased postal charges.
§ Mr. O'MalleyNo. The Government's policy is provide pensioners and other beneficiaries with income in cash, not in kind; and the hon. Gentleman will be aware of the large increases in all benefits due to be paid with effect from 22nd July.