§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the formal printed intimation of allowance of claim C.P. 128 (Rev.)/Scotland, is so ambiguously worded as to lead pensioners to believe that, on receipt of it, the contributory pension is immediately payable; that in reliance of this printed intimation debts have been incurred; whether the Government will meet the debts so incurred; and whether he will immediately re-frame the said intimation so as not to mislead recipients of contributory pensions?
§ Mr. WestwoodForm C.P. 128 is not and does not purport to be the formal notice of award of pension which, as stated on that form, is sent to the claimant at a later date. The form has been in use for some years, and so far as I am aware only one case has arisen in which misunderstanding has been alleged. The explanatory leaflet issued with all claim forms indicates the dates from which claimants are entitled to pensions, and the Government cannot assume responsibility for debts incurred by pension claimants in anticipation of the issue of pensions. My right hon. Friend is, however, considering whether it is desirable to draw special attention again on Form C.P. 128 to the provisions already issued to every applicant on the leaflet to which I have referred.