§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what arrangements are available for paying National Insurance benefits direct into the bank account of the insured; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherIt has been possible since 1959 for retirement pensions to be paid quarterly in arrear by means of crossed remittances, which the pensioner can pay into his bank. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that these arrangements meet the needs of those pensioners who do not want their pensions paid at a post office and that the extra administrative cost which would be entailed in making payments direct to banks would not be justified.