HC Deb 24 June 1968 vol 767 cc31-2W
Mr. William Price

asked the Minister of Social Security in how many cases social security offices have been amalgamated with offices 10 miles or more apart.

Mr. Pentland

Since the inception of the Ministry of Social Security in August, 1966, 28 local offices have been amalgamated with neighbouring offices 10 miles or more distant. Full-time inquiry offices have been left at 16 places and part-time facilities at 10 others.

Mr. William Price

asked the Minister of Social Security which are the three largest communities, together with approximate populations, in which social security offices have been reduced to caller status.

Mr. Pentland

The three largest communities having social security offices from which the backroom work has been transferred to neighbouring offices are Rugby, Prestwich and Runcorn, whose populations are 56,000, 33,000 and 31,000 respectively.