§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made with Paymaster to ensure that all recipients of armed forces pensions can receive benefits in cash from April 2000. [32555]
§ Dr. MoonieNo arrangements exist for pensioners to receive benefits in cash under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. From April 2002, however, the weekly Payable Order Book method of payment applicable to some 2 per cent. of all pensioners, will cease. Under the new arrangements they will have the option of having their pension credited to a bank of building society account, or by a voucher sent to their home address encashable through a bank or building society. Both options allow payments to be made on a weekly or monthly basis.