To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from people in Northern Ireland over the proposals to pay future pensions through banks and building societies; and if he will make a statement.

A small number of representations have been received about steps taken to increase awareness of the advantages of automated credit transfer, mostly from hon. Members on behalf of several of their constituents and a few members of the public. The majority of representations have been on behalf of pensioners who mistakenly believed that they would no longer be able to receive their pension and benefits through post offices.