asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused to British Contributory pensioners because of the manner in which their pension books are collected, for long periods, on every occasion when their rates of pension are adjusted; and if he will consider devising some method of eliminating this problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Contributory Pensioners.
46.
It is my wish that, where it is necessary to recall a pension book for the purpose of having it replaced by a pension book at a different rate, no delay should occur in the issue of such replacement book. I am arranging to have a full investigation carried out in relation to the issue of replacement books and, if it is established that delays such as those referred to by the Deputy occur, I will have steps taken to eliminate them.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say what the delay is in the payment of contributory pensions?
I would not agree with the implication that there is in general any undue delay in the issuing of contributory pensions. There may be isolated instances which can, no doubt, be attributed to the very large increase in the number of people now eligible.