HC Deb 15 July 2003 vol 409 cc239-40W
Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library a copy of the reminder letter that is sent to people who have not replied to the initial letter on automated credit transfer. [114371]

Mr. Pond

Example copies of the reminder letters sent to child benefit, state pension and benefit customers who have not responded to an initial letter inviting them to transfer to Direct Payment will be placed in the Library.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the exceptions service being designed for those customers who will not be transferring to direct payment; and when he expects to make available the criteria by which customers will qualify for the service. [124018]

Mr. Pond

Our aim is to have an exceptions service ready from October 2004. There are now a number of easy to operate accounts available, many of which can be accessed at Post Office branches, so our expectation is that this service will be available for those who are genuinely unable to open or operate any type of bank, building society or Post Office account.

Forward to