29. Mr. HUGH EDWARDSasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the chief officer of the Blackburn, Clitheroe, and district area office of the Ministry of Pensions has issued an order limiting the hours of the part-time sub-office at St. James's Street, Accrington, to the period of Wednesdays only, between 2.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and hardship which such a curtailment must cause old people and widows who desire to have access to pensions officers, he can see his way to secure a rescission of the order?
§ Major TRYONThe Ministry took the action referred to because it was clear that the volume of work required to be done at the part-time office at Accrington had fallen to such small proportions as not to justify its being kept open on more than one day in each week. I could add that the War Pensions Committee were consulted in the matter and unanimously recommended the revised arrangement. I have no reason to suppose that any inconvenience or hardship will be caused.
Mr. EDWARDSIf I call the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to specific cases of hardship and inconvenience to aged pensioners, can he say whether he will reconsider his decision?
§ Major TRYONI know the interest of the hon. Gentleman in the subject. I shall be happy to consider any facts that he is good enough to lay before me.