§ Mr. Heathcoat Amoryasked the Minister of National Insurance what arrangements he is making to continue the services hitherto rendered by agents of Approved and Friendly Societies for the payment of 96W sickness benefit in their homes to those who are unable to collect it.
§ Mr. SteeleMy right hon. Friend has made provision for sickness benefit to be taken in cash to the home by an officer of the Department where a reasonable request for this is made, but the normal method of payment is by means of an order sent by post and cashable at any post office the beneficiary chooses. This has advantages from the beneficiary's point of view and appears to be preferred by the great majority of present claimants.