§ 31. Sir William Darlingasked the Minister of National Insurance how many offices are in Scotland for the use of the Department; how many are manned with single clerks; and what use is made by the public of these offices.
§ Dr. SummerskillThere are in Scotland 121 main local offices of the Ministry. In addition, there are 23 caller offices manned by single clerks giving limited service. The use made of these latter offices varies very widely according to the density of population and the location of the nearest main office.
§ Sir W. DarlingIs the right hon. Lady aware that in one of these minor offices the number of persons who call in one week is not more than two, and in the circumstances does she think it desirable to maintain this somewhat expensive advisory service?
§ Dr. SummerskillI should remind the hon. Gentleman that these offices were established in the first place in order to help and guide his constituents, but now that the people of the country are becoming familiar with the regulations, the offices are becoming redundant, and we are closing them.