§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many Giro cheques for social benefits were sent through the post in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; what percentage this represents of the total number of payments of social benefits; and how this compares with the previous 12 months.
Mr. OnneIn 1975–76, 99.5 million Giro cheques were issued by post in payment of social security benefits, representing some 11 per cent. of all benefit payments. In the preceding year the corresponding figures were 78 million Giro cheques posted, representing 9 per cent. of all benefit payments.