§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the strike by computer operators at his Department's child benefit centre at Washington new town; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the recipients of benefits do not suffer hardship.
§ Mr. NewtonThe strike by computer operators at Washington child benefit centre and Newcastle central office which is affecting the payment of child benefit and pensions is over management plans to reorganise shift working arrangements. Emergency arrangements to ensure that pensions and child benefit continue to be paid are as follows:
Pensions and child benefit paid by order book—The Post Office is continuing to pay on the stubs of expired order books. New covers have been prepared showing the rates coming into operation in week commencing 26 November and these will be attached by the Post Office to the expired books so that the increases can be paid from the due date. The Post Office will also pay the Christmas bonus to pensioners in week commencing 3 December.
Pensions and child benefit paid to bank and building society accounts by automated credit transfer. Accounts are being credited but, in the case of pensions, it is not at present possible to take account of changes in circumstances. Arrangements are in hand which should ensure that the November increases and the pensioners' Christmas bonus are paid from the due dates.
505WPensions paid by payable order. These are being paid by DHSS local offices on application. The local office will include both the benefit increase and the Christmas bonus with the appropriate payment.