§ 17. Mr. WARNEasked the Minister of Pensions whether it is proposed to amalgamate the Tynemouth area with the Newcastle and Hexham area; if so, what will be the days and hours of opening of the Tynemouth area office in North Shields; and whether the proposals with respect to amalgamation of areas in the Northern region have been submitted to the Regional Advisory Council for consideration?
§ Major TRYONThe possibility of amalgamating the staff in the Newcastle, Hexham and District area with that in the Tynemouth, Wallsend and District area is under consideration. The War Pensions Committees for the two areas have been invited to express their views, and when their observations have been received I will give the matter my personal consideration.
§ Mr. WARNEIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the benefits accruing from these larger areas sufficiently compensate for the fact that confidence is shattered thereby?
§ Major TRYONI believe the machinery is very much better than the old.