§ 32. Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will name the war pensions offices which have been closed since the merger and those in the programme for future closure and the numbers of war pensioners affected; how many ageing disabled pensioners will now have to travel considerable distances for medical examinations; and whether he is satisfied that the services for war pensioners will not be allowed to deteriorate owing to the merger.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNone, Sir. I should add, however, that it is proposed to close the district war pensions office at 849 Blackpool. The majority of war pensioners in North Lancashire already use the office at Preston which is more conveniently situated for public transport. It is unlikely that any appreciable number of war pensioners will have to travel further than at present for medical examinations. The answer to the last part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir".
§ Mr. SimmonsIs the Minister aware that there is considerable apprehension in Sheffield and Norwich also owing to rumours going round about the status of the war pensions offices there? Can he give a categorical assurance that these offices, which today mainly serve the ageing 1914–18 war pensioner and the aged widow, will be maintained in order that the old personal touch which pensioners are used to, being familiar with the people who run these offices after having dealt with them for years, may be maintained?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Gentleman's supplementary question relates, I understand, to the status of offices, whereas his main Question related to the closing of offices. I cannot answer off the cuff as to status, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, although a change in the status of an office may affect the back-room work, it does not affect the actual contact with the pensioner, which, I agree, is very much valued by the pensioner and is also of great assistance to us.