HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 cc1199-201
2. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the existing means of distribution for social security benefits and retirement pensions, in the light of the continued closure of village post offices.

The Minister for Social Security (Mr. Stanley Orme)

Yes, Sir. In September 1977 there were about 11,800 rural sub-post offices, and I am satisfied that they provide an adequate service. This is a net reduction of 160 over the preceding year, but this reduction reflects movements of population rather than a planned withdrawal of services.

Mr. Farr

Can the Minister say whether consideration has yet been given to the recommendations made by the Post Office Users National Council that the Government should compensate the Post Office for maintaining services at remote sub-post offices which cannot be continued on an economic basis?

Mr. Orme

Along with the work of the joint working party of officials on inter-bank research and payment through banks, this matter is under consideration

Mr. Woodall

Will my right hon. Friend consider opening temporary premises in villages such as Upton in my constituency, which is a village with a closed colliery and in which there is a high rate of unemployment and many elderly people who are inconvenienced through having to travel to the next village of South Kirkby to receive their benefit?

Mr. Orme

I understand that this matter has arisen in a number of mining areas. Where there are elderly and disabled people, special arrangements can be made at present. But where people are signing on for unemployment benefit this must be done within the six-mile limit once a week. Over the six-mile limit, where special consideration can be given, it can be done by post.

Mrs. Chalker

As 72 per cent. of those on the unemployment benefit trial of fortnightly payments preferred fortnightly payments, what proposals does the Minister have to extend the use of fortnightly and monthly payments, and perhaps quarterly payments, to others receiving benefits so as to ease the administrative burden?

Mr. Orme

The experiment that the Government have carried out has now been completed. The results are being examined by Ministers. A statement will be made in the near future.

Mr. Skinner

In relation to what my hon. Friend the Member for Hemsworth (Mr. Woodall) had to say, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in certain areas of the coalfields miners on the so-called early retirement scheme are able to get their money, arising out of the closure of some of these offices, on an extended basis, and that it should be made applicable to all? Whilst we are on the subject, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a drive towards amalgamation of post offices, registry officers for births and deaths and so on, and that this is bad and it is about time that it was stopped? He and his colleagues ought to intervene and stop the Tory county council in Derbyshire from closing registration offices there, particularly in my constituency.

Mr. Orme

Only the electors in Derbyshire can do that.

Mr. Skinner

I have done my best.

Mr. Orme

On the wider point that my hon. Friend has raised, amalgamation of offices is done for the sake of efficiency, and it assists the staff in many areas who assist people claiming benefits. I understand the fact that there are difficulties. If my hon. Friend and some of his hon. Friends, or any hon. Member, would like to raise any specific cases with me, I shall be quite prepared to discuss them.