§ Mr. Marsdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider making payment of pensions, allowances and benefits through the National Giro system.
§ Mr. DeanAbout 54,000,000 payments a year are made by the Department by Giro order, mostly for short-term benefits such as sickness benefit. Experience has shown the advantages of paying pensions and other long-term benefits by order book; it is convenient, it gives an assurance of continuity to the pensioners, and it costs less than other methods. Payment of pensions direct into a Giro account is precluded because pensions are subject to certain continuing conditions, and thus, before each payment is made, the pensioner has to sign a receipt confirming that these conditions are satisfied.