§ 94. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of National Insurance what instructions have been issued to the local offices of his Department to discourage payment of benefits in cash and to persuade applicants to accept payment by postal draft; whether he is aware that this involves delay in the receipt of benefit and hardship to sick people; and whether he will give instructions that benefits shall be paid, as a general rule, in cash in accordance with M.N.I. Circular B.F.11 (Notes) C.W.
§ Mr. PeakeNo instruction to the local offices of my Department discourages the payment of benefit in cash and, in accordance with the note to which the hon. Member refers, payment by this method is made when requested. The great majority of claimants prefer to be paid by post and I cannot, therefore, agree to issue instructions that benefit should as a general rule be paid in cash.