§ 21. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware of the hardship caused by the delay in returning pension books left with the Department for endorsement or similar reasons; and what steps are being taken to avoid such delays in the future.
§ Mr. J, Griffiths:My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has expressed his regret for the delay in the issue of a pension order book in the particular case brought to his notice by the hon. Member. There is no general delay in these matters and we do our best to ensure that pension books are re-issued in time to avoid any gap in payment. Where, exceptionally, delay occurs no question of hardship should arise as a pensioner can obtain interim payment if he so wishes.