§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many senior citizens used the Post Office to receive their pensions each year since 1990.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe payment of social security benefits is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Nigel Evans, dated 25 May 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking how many senior citizens used the Post Office to receive their pensions each year since 1990.Pensioners receiving their pensions through the Post Office are paid by order book. The number of Retirement Pension customers paid by order book for each year are as follows:
Number February 1990 7,720,000 May 1991 7,750,000 April 1992 7,710,000 May 1993 7,570,000 Figures are rounded to the nearest 5,000.
I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. A copy will also be placed in the Library.