§ Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is satisfied with the shuttle card service between Dorset and Newcastle; and whether he will give an assurance that no delay is occurring in first payments of benefits.
§ Mr. SteeleI have made inquiries into the operation of the shuttle card service between our Dorset offices and Newcastle. Although many claimants still fail to quote their National Insurance number the service is working reasonably well and, in general, no delay is occurring in the first payment of benefits. We are, however, always seeking ways and means to improve the service as a whole.
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