HC Deb 23 July 1956 vol 557 cc3-4
5. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what economies he proposes to effect in the administration of his Department.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am concentrating the issue of pension books for National Insurance pensioners in Scotland and Wales with the issue of those for England at Newcastle, thus permitting of a higher degree of mechanisation of this work. I am also concentrating the work of some of my local offices into larger units. In general, there is a constant search for administrative economies throughout the Department wherever they can be achieved without impairing the Department's service to the public.

Mr. Jeger

While, of course, welcoming any administrative economies which can be effected anywhere, may I ask whether it would be possible for the Minister to review carefully the complaints which he has received, particularly those from my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Stoke Newington and Hackney, North (Mr. Weitzman) about the inaccessibility of several of the remoter offices, and will he ensure that where there happens to be a large number of people requiring the services of his Department they will not be denied a local office?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I will always consider any suggestion which is put forward, but I am bound to say that the proposal of the hon. and learned Member for Stoke Newington and Hackney, North relates to the National Assistance Board and not to my Department, and relates to an increase in expenditure and not to economies.

Mr. Steele

Does the latter part of the Minister's original Answer in connection with the concentration of work in some of the larger offices mean the closing down or making into caller stations of some of the outlying offices?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

It means that for some of the outlying offices caller offices will be substituted.