§ Mr. HainTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many post offices his Department expects to close if DSS payments, including pensions, are changed to automatic credit transfer; and if he will make a statement on the trial currently being undertaken.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 18 May 1993]: Government policy is to encourage the take-up of ACT on a voluntary basis. We do not expect that this policy will lead to post office closures. Three different versions of the retirement pension claim form were piloted by the Benefits Agency and the results of their trial are being assessed at present.
§ Mr. HainTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with the chief executive of the Post Office concerning future plans for payment of social security benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 18 May 1993]: Both my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I meet the chief executive of the Post Office from time to time to discuss a wide range of issues.