§ 51. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why the Oldham man, whose name has been communicated to him and who made application for national health insurance benefit on 19th October had not received any payment of benefit by 6th November.
§ Mrs. ThatcherSickness benefit is paid in arrears and in this case should have been paid on 31st October, when we received the final medical certificate. It was not paid until 6th November and I can only apologise for the delay. I am writing to the hon. Member.