§ Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans for extending the opportunity for payment by credit transfer to child benefit.
§ Mr. NewtonFrom January 1984 new claimants for child benefit will be able to choose to have their benefit paid direct into a bank or building society account by credit transfer. During the 18 months from that date we shall write to all existing beneficiaries to explain the new method of payment and to ask if they wish to change to it. Those who do not wish to switch need do nothing; their present payment arrangements will continue unchanged.