asked the Minister of National Insurance when it is anticipated the National Insurance scheme will come into full operation.

I would refer the hon. Member to reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant) yesterday.

While desiring that this scheme should be brought into operation at the earliest possible moment, will the right hon. Gentleman first assure himself that the necessary adequate administration is in existence, and that there will be no fiasco as occurred in connection with old age pensioners?

There was no fiasco with regard to them. It is because we are very anxious to put the scheme into operation, and to make as certain as we can that we shall have adequate administration, that we have fixed the date of 5th July, 1948.

Is it not a fact that there is still a fiasco in regard to Old Age Pensions?

No, Sir.