§ Mr. Winnickasked the Minister of Social Security what are the average delays for those who reach the ages of 65 years for men and 60 years for women in receiving a pension book; and what action is being taken to cut out such delays.
§ Mr. PentlandThe information requested is not available but application forms and explanatory leaflets are sent out well in advance and some 95 per cent. of new retirement pensioners who claim promptly are able to collect their pension books before the first pension payment falls due. Delay in issuing a pension book is sometimes due to the need to obtain up-to-date information necessary for determining the rate at which the pension is payable. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind I hope he will write to me.