§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is now taking to publicise the new State pension scheme requirements to married women living overseas, particularly where their husbands are members of Her Majesty's forces.
§ Mr. OrmeThe new pensions scheme has received considerable publicity in recent years. In the run-up to 6th April, when the scheme began, numerous articles and advertisements appeared in newspapers and women's magazines which invited readers to send for explanatory leaflets. As British people abroad including service personnel and their wives continue to see British newspapers, I would expect them generally to have been aware that important changes were taking place in the national insurance scheme.
The Department cannot do more than provide general publicity and leave it to individuals to decide whether or not to seek further information if they think they may be affected by changes in the national insurance scheme. It would be quite impracticable to ensure that everyone who might be affected by a change is made aware of it.