§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many recipients of Army pensions received the pensions through weekly order books(a)in each of the last five years and (b)at the latest available date. [47819]
§ Dr. MoonieThe number of Army pensioners paid via weekly payable order book in each of the last five years was as follows:
As at March of year Number of Army pensioners 1997 12,000 1998 10,000 1999 8,950 2000 8,050 2001 7,200 As at August 2001, the date of the most recently held statistical data, 6,887 Army pensioners were paid via weekly payable order book. Based on current estimates, this number has reduced further to some 6,050.
§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation took place before his Department decided to cease to pay pensioners through weekly order books; how many people were affected; and if he will make a statement. [47820]
§ Dr. MoonieNo formal consultation process took place before taking the decision to cease paying armed forces pensioners via weekly payable order books. The decision affects some 6,700 people (2 per cent. of the total number32W of armed forces pensioners) who, from April 2002, can opt to have their pension credited to a bank or building society account, or by a voucher sent to their home address encashable through a bank or building society. Under both options, the pensioners will retain the right to receive payment on a weekly basis, and many continue to cash their money at post offices subject to having an account with certain banks.