§ 32. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many towns with a population of 57,000 or more have had their social security offices reduced to caller office status.
§ Mr. PentlandI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 17th June.—[OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 766, c. 99.]
§ Mr. PriceDoes my hon. Friend agree that while amalgamations in small communities may make sense, it is ludicrous 477 to reduce a town with a catchment area of 75,000 to a corner office with a staff of one man and one girl? Why was Rugby the only town anywhere near this size to be attacked in this manner?
§ Mr. PentlandI cannot undertake that there will not be similar plans in years to come in comparable towns, but I understand my hon. Friend's feelings. He met the previous Minister of Social Security on 23rd October and she undertook to consider the points he had raised with the deputation. He knows that my hon. Friend the Minister of State will be writing to him on this matter.