§ 62. Mr. Dobbieasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that reduc- 30 tions of staff are being made in a number of sections of his Department, including those concerned in dealing with applications for old age, and widows' and orphans' pensions; that the staff side of the Ministry of Health Department, Whitley Council, have protested against these reductions because of the effect on the carrying on of the work of the Department; that in some of these sections there is considerable delay in cases; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation?
§ Mr. BernaysThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. No reductions in staff have in fact been made in those sections of my Department which deal with applications for old age and widows' and orphans' pensions. An inquiry has, however, been instituted into the possibility of the elimination of unnecessary processes in the work, which should result in expediting decisions.
§ Mr. DobbieWill the Minister be prepared to meet a deputation of the staff affected to discuss the question of reductions?
§ Mr. BernaysI understand that it has already been arranged to receive a deputation and that their representations will be carefully considered.
§ Mr. DobbieIs that a deputation from the staff affected?
§ Mr. BernaysThe staff side of the Whitley Council.