Local Offices (Hansard, 19 February 1992)

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what arrangements he has in place to relocate staff temporarily when the Paisley office is closed for development; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he expects works to start on the Paisley Piazza site; when he expects these works to be completed; and what arrangements he has in place to ensure the efficient operation of services at the Paisley office of his Department during the intervening period.

§ Miss Widdecombe
The operation of local Benefits Agency offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will publish a table showing the number of staff located at the Johnstone office in each year since 1980; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many staff from the Johnstone office (a) have been transferred to the Paisley office since 1989 and (b) will be transferred to the Paisley office this year; and if he will make a statement.

§ Miss Widdecombe
The staffing of district offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if the Johnstone office of his Department is Crown property;
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(2) if the Paisley office of his Department is Crown property.

§ Miss Widdecombe
The accommodation occupied by Benefits Agency offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is his strategy for the development of services provided from(a) the Paisley office and (b) the Johnstone office; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has any plans to run down, close or recategorise the Johnstone office of his Department.

§ Miss Widdecombe
The planning of services offered by social security offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.