Benefit Payment Card

HC Deb 20 February 1995 vol 255 c71W

Mr. Mark Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce a benefit payment card.

Mr. Lilley

On 11 May 1994, I announced plans to automate the payment of benefits at post offices. Order books and girocheques will eventually be replaced by a benefit payment card which will allow access to payment information held electronically. This will reduce cost for taxpayers, be more secure for customers and guarantee the future of post offices. People wishing to be paid by automated credit transfer will continue to be paid in this way and will not hold a benefit payment card.