§ 18. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that the views of local authorities and communities are sought and considered before any arrangements are made to close local offices of his Department.
§ Mr. DeanIt is normal practice for my Department to notify local authorities of any change in local office arrangements some time before the reorganisation takes place.
§ Mr. HardyIn that case, will the hon. Gentleman offer an explanation and some apology to the Urban District Council of Maltby which has learned that the local office has to be closed although no consultations have taken place?
§ Mr. DeanI apologise to the hon. Gentleman and to the urban district council. There was an oversight in this case. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it is intended to retain a full-time inquiry office at Maltby to deal with questions about social security.