HC Deb 04 July 1955 vol 543 cc751-2
16. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many full-time welfare officers were employed by his Department at the date of the merger; and what number of such officers are now employed to deal exclusively with the problems of war pensioners and their dependants.

Mr. Peake

At the date of the merger, 83 full-time war pensions welfare officers were employed by my Department. There are now 71 such officers employed to deal exclusively with the problems of war pensioners and their dependants.

Mr. Simmons

Would the right hon. Gentleman ensure that this magnificent service to the war pensioners is maintained at the fullest possible strength? It is the one human link between the Ministry and the people it serves. Will he assure the House that there will be no cutting down of welfare?

Mr. Peake

Yes, Sir. I am quite determined that the welfare services of my Ministry will be fully maintained. The small decline in the number of welfare officers is due mainly to the fact that, as a much wider network of offices is now available to the war pensioners, they can get information much more easily than before the merger of the Ministries.