HC Deb 17 December 1974 vol 883 cc384-5W
55. Mr. Percival

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list all the methods of payment of retirement pensions and other social security benefits; and if she is satisfied that sufficient publicity is given to the various methods of paying retirement pensions and other benefits and allowances.

Mr. O'Malley

Retirement pensions are normally paid by order book or crossed order, and other social security benefits by order book or girocheque. Alternative methods of payment have occasionally to be used, particularly for beneficiaries abroad.

The different methods of paying retirement pensions are publicised in the leaflet issued to potential pensioners shortly before they reach retirement age and in the notes in the pension order books. A choice in the method of payment is not normally offered for other social security benefits and publicity would not, therefore, be appropriate. I do not know of any difficulty arising from these methods of paying benefit, but if the hon. and learned Member has an individual case in mind and will let me have the details I shall be glad to look into it.