HC Deb 01 November 1954 vol 532 cc11-2
4. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when he expects to be able to open a local office of his Department to serve the new housing estate at Kirkby, near Liverpool.

Mr. Peake

Current estimates of the rate of development of this new housing estate suggest that it will continue to be adequately served by the Ministry's local offices at Walton and Huyton for at least another year, but, if there is need, facilities for dealing with callers' inquiries will be provided at Kirkby in 1955, and continued till a full-time office is required.

Mr. Wilson

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his willingness to deal with the immediate problem, but does he recognise that the travelling distances both to Walton and Huyton are very considerable and costly, and that the sooner he can get an office at Kirkby the better?

Mr. Peake

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that special attention is being given to this problem.

5. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will arrange with the National Assistance Board to open an office to serve the 60,000 residents of Huyton-with-Roby, in view of distances applicants have to travel to offices in the Liverpool and St. Helens areas, and the cost and inconvenience arising therefrom.

Mr. Peake

The National Assistance Board informs me that it intends to open an office in Huyton-with-Roby or Prescot as soon as suitable premises can be obtained.