§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make arrangements whereby the constant attendance allowance can be paid, if required, into a beneficiary's bank account; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAttendance allowance, in common with other social582W security benefits, is subject to certain continuing conditions and before each payment is made beneficiaries have to confirm that these conditions are satisfied. This prevents automatic payment by the department directly into a giro or bank account. Attendance allowance beneficiaries can, however, elect to receive payment quarterly in arrears by means of an order payable which they can themselves pay into a bank account. If the hon. Gentleman is aware of a particular case in which the method of payment is causing special difficulties I will, of course, be glad to look into it and to do whatever I can to help.