asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of Giro cheques sent to recipients of social security benefits go astray.
In 1974, about 120,000 giro cheques were reported as not having been received or as having been lost, stolen or destroyed, but only half of these—about 0·08 per cent. of the total issues—had to be replaced.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether Post Office personnel are asked to verify the identities of those who present Giro cheques for social security benefits.
Instructions issued by the Post Office require counter staff to seek evidence of identity of a person who presents a Giro cheque issued in respect of social security benefits if the amount is for more than £20 or if there is any reason to doubt the identity of the payee.