§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Minister of Health whether he can give any revised estimate of the probable charge on the Exchequer of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions (Voluntary Contribution) Act, in view of the fact that there are up to date only 207,442 approved applications?
§ Mr. BernaysI am afraid that a reliable estimate is not yet possible. For the purpose of the estimate it is necessary that the total number of the initial entrants of each sex and their age distribution should be known. This information will not be available until after 2nd January, 1939, when the time within which applications by initial entrants may be made will expire. My right hon. Friend proposes in the autumn to take every possible step to bring to the notice of those concerned the advantageous terms which are open to initial entrants.