HC Deb 16 July 1974 vol 877 c230
10. Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will consider resiting an office of the Department of Health and Social Security in the Kingswood constituency, a service which was withdrawn by the previous Government.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Robert C. Brown)

An adequate service over the full range of social security benefits for people in the Kingswood area is provided from the office at Fishponds Road, Bristol.

Mr. Walker

To get to the office in Bristol involves people in making two and sometimes three changes of buses, and since many of those who have to go there are sick or elderly they are presented with a considerable problem. Will my hon. Friend look at the position again? If the office in Kingswood could be opened for even a couple of half-days a week, this would help many of my constituents.

Mr. Brown

Since the Fishponds Road office was established the Department has received no reports of particular difficulties being experienced by those who live within the area it serves. Part-time offices are extremely costly in terms of manpower and overheads, and they are established only in areas remote from a parent office where there is clear evidence of need for such a service. That is not the case at Kingswood. However, the Department maintains a close watch on the needs of an area served by a local office and if it becomes evident that the service at Kingswood should be reviewed this will be given due consideration.