§ 77. Mr. WATTasked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the discomforts of many of the local pensions offices in the large towns of Scotland, and, in particular, of Glasgow, where discharged and disabled soldiers not yet recovered in health, and in inclement weather, have to wait sometimes for hours, without seats or fires, or reading or other comforts, before the desired interview can be got; is he aware that voluntary help could be readily got to increase the staffs; and, in any case, will he see that this state of matters is remedied?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)I received com-plaints of the nature indicated in the hon. Member's question with reference to the office of the local war pensions committee at Glasgow, and I sent an experienced officer to assist the committee in effecting a reorganisation which I hope will place matters on a satisfactory basis. This officer is still working with the committee. I have not received complaints of this kind regarding other offices, but I hope that if the hon. Member has any particular office in mind he will communicate the facts to me. I may add that I am taking steps at the present moment to strengthen the staff of Ministerial representatives and inspectors, with a view to helping local committees to deal with difficulties such as this.