HC Deb 26 July 1983 vol 46 cc427-8W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will initiate a publicity campaign designed to secure public support for the payment of pensions and social security payments by monthly automatic transfers.

Dr. Boyson

In order to ensure that the entirely new arrangements for direct crediting of pensions and allowances to bank and building society accounts are introduced smoothly and without any interruption of benefit already in payment, it is necessary to have phased and controlled take-on exercises extending over a period of 18 months for the major benefits and over shorter periods for the smaller benefits. During these rake-on exercises we are writing to about 10 million eligible beneficiaries inviting them to consider switching to this alternative method of payment.

The need for a publicity campaign will be considered later in the light of the take-up during the invitation exercises.