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Social Welfare Benefits

Volume 809: debated on Friday 22 January 1971

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what statutory authority he is making available retirement pensions and other social welfare payments as paid from post offices payable two weeks in advance; what happens in the event of a recipient dying within a few days of drawing payments in advance so far as these advance payments are concerned; and whether he will make such facilities of advance drawing permanently available after the ending of the Post Office workers' dispute.

There are powers under the relevant regulations and Royal Warrants which enable advance payments of retirement pensions and other benefits to be made. In the event of a recipient dying within a few days of such a payment, repayment would not normally be sought. The special arrangements made recently would not be appropriate in normal conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in line with the Government's incomes policy as detailed by the Treasury in their document submitted to the Wilberforce Committee on 13th January, 1971, agreeing that a 10 per cent. increase in salaries is reasonable, he will now apply a 10 per cent. increase to all social welfare benefits.

No. And I cannot accept the implication behind the hon. Member's Question.