§ 6. Mr. HILLasked the Minister of Pensions whether it is intended to remove control of the East Midlands area from Nottingham to Birmingham; if so, whether due consideration has been given to the effect this will have in the proper consideration of pension claims in the East Midlands, having regard to the distance from Birmingham; whether he is aware that as a result of the change some 200 East Midland ex-service men will be discharged; and whether, in view of the necessity for maintaining close contact with individual claims for pension for enabling these men to submit their cases in person, and for preventing the congestion of work which will be involved by the discharge of so many men now engaged upon pension duties, he will reconsider the decision in question?
§ Major TRYONI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 13th instant, to the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Nottingham (Capt. Berkeley), of which I am sending him a copy. I would emphasise the fact that there will be no change in the existing arrangements in the East Midlands Region for Local Area Offices, Medical 698 Boards or treatment and the individual pensioner will not be prejudiced in any way. I should not be justified, in maintaining an office which is no longer needed.