§ 60. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what delays in pension payments have been caused by computer problems in Newcastle during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonPayments of pension were made on time until late November 1983 when computer staff at Newcastle central office imposed an overtime ban and a work to rule. This industrial action coincided with the issue by payable order of the Christmas bonus to 300,000 pensioners. The combined effect of the additional payments and the industrial action resulted in some delays of two or three days in the issue of pensions by payable order from December 1983.
From late January 1984 payments by payable order were, with few exceptions, made on time until late April 450W when delays of two or three days were again commonplace. By the beginning of May payments by order book were affected and some books failed to reach post offices by the date on which the first order was due for payment. Payments of pension by direct credit to bank accounts have throughout been made on time except on three occasions.
On 14 May 1984 a strike closed the pensions computer and emergency arrangements — details of which have been published in the national press—are operating. All parts of the country are affected.