§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his future plans for the method of payment of benefits.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe main focus of the Department's efforts to improve service to the public in the area of paying benefits is currently through the massive extension of computers to local offices. The Department is also striving to encourage people to have their benefits paid direct to bank accounts. This is cheaper, more convenient for many, and reduces the risk of fraud. We have no intention to adopt any method of payment which requires the use of plastic cards but we will continue to examine whether such methods offer further advantages.