HC Deb 18 November 1952 vol 507 cc1578-9
43. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will take steps to ensure that financial stringency will not prevent the equipment of his regional and district offices with adequate and suitable furniture and amenities in the interests of the health and efficiency of the staffs.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)

I can assure the hon. Member that everything possible is being done to improve, where necessary, the equipment of my offices in order to secure reasonable working conditions for the staff.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Minister satisfied that everything possible is being done, and is not he aware that in many of these regional and district offices the staffs are working in overcrowded conditions surrounded by open files—conditions which existed during and after the war—and will he make an examination immediately of a situation which is in deplorable contrast with the very fine improvement which has been made in the reception of pensioners in these offices?

Mr. Amory

The hon. Member will know the difficulties regarding accommodation which have obtained since the war, but I am satisfied that substantial and steady progress is being made. If he has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will write to me about it.