§ 22. Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many inquiries that appertain to war pensions have been made at his offices since the merger; and what is the weekly average per office of these figures excluding inquiries made at the old war pensioners' welfare service offices.
§ Mr. PeakeThe total number of inquiries on war pensions matters made by callers at my Department's offices between 31st August and 10th November, 1953, was 28,419. The weekly average of such inquiries made at former offices of the Ministry of National Insurance was between 750 and 800.
§ Mr. SimmonsDoes the Minister contemplate sending out a special letter—as did his predecessors in his office—informing war pensioners of the facilities which are available?
§ Mr. PeakeI think that the additional facilities which are available are being appreciated, because the difference between the total number of inquiries before the merger and since shows an increase of about 50 per cent.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs my right hon. Friend aware how very greatly appreciated is the effort being made in local National Insurance offices to see 1393 that there is no falling off in the service rendered to old age pensioners?