§ 34. Mr. Pageasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many applications have been received for 3W payment of retirement pensions quarterly in arrear; what proportion that number is of all retirement pensions payable; and what saving in administration expenses he estimates there will be, on the basis of the applications so far received.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs this scheme only came into operation yesterday I am afraid that even preliminary figures in respect of applications are not yet available. The question of administrative cost will depend on the numbers involved; if small there will be some extra cost; if substantial, a net saving.
§ 41. Mrs. McAlisterasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he has considered the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for Kelvingrove, calling attention to the inadequacy of retirement pensions; and the nature of his reply.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Lady sent me last Wednesday, with a short covering letter, a printed postcard which she had received from an organisation in Glasgow. I have replied to the effect that this postcard's reference to prices and pensions is misleading in view of the fact that the real value of the pension is at present higher than at any date prior to January, 1958.