§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked the Minister of Pensions what is the number and annual cost in salaries of the regional headquarters in Leeds; what reduction in the London staff has been possible, in view of and since the delegation of work to Leeds; and whether he is aware of the considerable dissatisfaction which is felt in the West Hiding of Yorkshire over the working of the regional system?
§ Major TRYONThe total number of staff employed at the regional headquarters in Leeds is 575, and the total annual cost £120,198. A considerable reduction of staff has been effected at the Ministry headquarters in consequence of decentralisation, but it is, for obvious reasons, not possible to make any precise estimate of the proportion of this reduction which is appropriate to the Yorkshire region as distinct from all1772W other regions. My right hon. Friend is aware that the working of the regional system has met with adverse criticism from local bodies in some parts of the West Riding, though their attitude is-far from having received general support. My right hon. Friend intends, however, to investigate personally the causes of such dissatisfaction as exist.