HC Deb 15 May 1964 vol 695 cc127-8W
Mr. Coulson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what steps he takes to ensure that persons who are eligible for retirement pensions receive their pension books at or before the date on which the pension becomes payable.

Mrs. Thatcher

Application forms and explanatory leaflets are sent out well in advance. Where the claim is made promptly, and there is no difficulty in establishing title, the order book should be available at the right time. I understand from a letter received from my hon. Friend yesterday morning that he has a particular case in mind, and I shall be writing to him about this.

Mr. Coulson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what is the average time which elapses between the receipt of retirement pensions claim forms by his Department and the issue of pension books in relation to such pensions.

Mrs. Thatcher

The average time between the receipt of a claim for retirement pension and its award is about four weeks. Order books are normally issued for collection at any time during the fortnight before payment begins.