§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any research has been carried out by his Department which shows that the vast majority of pensioners do not want pensions and other social security benefits paid by monthly automatic transfers as indicated by him during the debate on the Address on 23 June, Official Report, c. 169.
§ Dr. BoysonRather more than 8 million retirement pensioners are now paid weekly by pension order book, and about 1 million are paid at 4-weekly or longer intervals. All existing pensioners are being invited to switch to 4-weekly or 13-weekly payment by automated credit transfer, but so far only between 1 and 2 per cent. of those previously paid weekly by order book have opted for 4-weekly payment by credit transfer. The option of 4-weekly payment is also available to all new pensioners as they come to retirement, but about three quarters of those newly retiring continue to choose weekly payment by order book.