HC Deb 17 March 1958 vol 584 c105W
55. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the method of paying the pensions of disabled ex-officers of the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and the nursing services has been changed so that monthly cheques are now sent to these officers instead of the twelve cheques being sent together, thus increasing postal charges twelve times which, with the added clerical duties involved, means a waste of public funds; and whether he will take steps to-reverse this practice.

Mr. Simon

The change results from the introduction of a mechanised system of payment and accounting in the Paymaster-General's Office. Far from increasing clerical duties, the new system has led to a reduction in staff numbers and made possible an appreciable overall saving in administrative costs.