§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present cost of checking an individual's record of contribution in order to assess eligibility for state retirement pension; and what savings he anticipates being made in this procedure once his Department's records are computerised.
§ Dr. BoysonThe records of National Insurance contributors have been fully computerised since 1975. The computer automatically identifies all those approaching pension age and provides details of the contribution history and rate of pension payable to local social security offices so that a claim to pension can be invited.