§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the delay in issuing pension books to retired people because of industrial action, he will take steps so that such people can present other evidence of entitlement to their privileges which are normally obtained on presentation of a pension book.
§ Mr. RossiProof of status or entitlement for concessionary schemes are matters for the organisations which administer them, rather than the Department. I trust they will recognise the present difficulties over the issue of pension books, caused by industrial action within the Department, and be prepared to accept wherever possible other documents, such as birth certificates as proof of eligibility. Where there is a particular difficulty in producing an acceptable document, the local social security office should be able to help.