HC Deb 26 March 1929 vol 226 cc2248-9
34. Mr. WHITELEY

asked the Minister of Health the number of the staff employed by the Ministry of Health on work resultant from the operation of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, stating the increase of the staff as a result of the introduction of the Act and the cost thereof?

Sir K. WOOD

The number of staff employed by my Department on work resultant from the operation of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act is 1,490, and this number represents the increase of the staff as the result of the introduction of the Act. The estimated cost of the salaries of this staff for the year ending 31st March, 1929, is £340,000.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard this satisfactory in view of the long delay before the settlement of these cases?

Sir K. WOOD

That is another matter altogether. This question is simply a request for information.