§ 32. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware that in spite of the increase in the population of West Bromwich since November, 1961, there has been no increase in the staff of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance office in West Bromwich; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have no reason to believe that the population of West Bromwich has altered much in the last three months. The answer to the second part of the Question is therefore. "No, Sir".
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the Minister aware that the reason why I put down that date was to keep the Question fully in order? Is he aware that there has been a considerable increase since 1951, and that the staff has remained exactly the same to deal with this increase? Is he further aware that during one week recently the staff, very much overworked, had to work without any heat whatever in their office and with water running down the walls? Does he regard that as a satisfactory way for the staff to work?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn reply to the first part of the question, comparison of staff in post today and in 1951 is vitiated by the fact that the area covered by the office is less than it was in 1951, having been reduced as long ago as 1953. On the second part of the question, although it quite plainly does not arise out of the right hon. Gentleman's Question on the Paper, I will naturally look into it.