§ Mr. John Browneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost saving after bank charges if family allowances were to be paid through the banking system rather than through the Post Office.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThis would depend on the number taking up the facility. Market research suggests that perhaps 2 million mothers would opt to be paid child benefit by direct credit into a bank account. It is estimated it would currently cost the Department about £2 a year, pet person, to pay child benefit (or a pension) monthly this way, compared with an 145W average of about £10 a year to make payments by order-book weekly across the post office counter.