HC Deb 12 December 1972 vol 848 cc79-80W
59. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further representations he has received regarding the eligibility of pensioners for the Christmas lump sum payment; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Dean

A number of hon. Members have written to me mainly about the ineligibility of certain persons under pension age to receive the special payments, and there have also been representations from some members of the public. In my replies I have pointed out that in carrying out a speedy operation of this kind it was necessary to have clear-cut categories who would benefit, and that the dividing line adopted was, in the Government's view, the appropriate one in the circumstances.