andMr. Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if a directive has been issued to Departments that payments of grants now due is to be suspended until after 15th February owing to the change over to decimalisation; and, if so, if, in view of the fact that persons awaiting such payments are being pressed by banks and traders, he will consider withdrawing the directive.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants Payments.
26.
There has been no directive to Departments to suspend payments of grants due. I should explain that because of the closure of the banks to normal business on Thursday and Friday this week, 11th and 12th February, in preparation for the change over to decimal working, Departments were asked to reduce to the essential minimum the issue of payable orders, which would necessarily be in £sd terms, between Monday, 8th February, and Friday, 12th February. The purpose is to reduce the number of orders drawn in £sd terms which will have to be processed by the banks and the Paymaster General's Office around Decimal Day.
Departments have accordingly arranged that payable orders be either issued a week earlier than they otherwise would or, in the case of payments which are not in any way pressing, be deferred for a few days. However, no grant payment is being delayed in any way.