§ 56. Mr. Alexander Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to stop the projected closure of the DSS offices at Larkhall.
§ Mr. O'MalleyI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the transfer of the backroom work of the Larkhall National Insurance Office to an all-purpose office in Hamilton. As far back as 30th May 1968—[Vol. 765, c.273–4.]—my right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development, then Minister of Social Security, informed the House of her plans for a network of local offices, each of which would be able to provide a comprehensive service to the public over the full range of social security business for the area covered. This reorganisation produces larger office units than in the past, many 416W of the smaller existing offices being merged to provide this service. The process of integration is well advanced and many people are already being satisfactorily served by these offices. The plan to provide an all-purpose office in Hamilton is fully in line with this policy. We shall however continue to maintain a public inquiry office in Larkhall for those who prefer to make a personal call.