HC Deb 02 December 1968 vol 774 cc226-7W
74. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent the Giro system is adaptable, or could be adapted, for paying all pensions and social welfare benefits on a more economical basis than the present system of payments.

Mr. Swingler

Arrangements have already been made under which all payments of benefit hitherto made by postal draft will be made by giro cheque. For long-term benefits, however, a book of orders remains the cheapest and most efficient way of making payments and there is no way of adapting the giro system to do it as cheaply.