HC Deb 17 December 1925 vol 189 cc1653-4W
Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Minister of Pensions on what days and hours in each week the part-time offices at Whitby, Northallerton, Todmorden, Pontefract, Goole, Mexborough, and Rotherham are open; is he aware that in some instance pensioners in the district served by these offices live more than 10 miles from the office, and that all applications for treatment are referred to the deputy-commissioner of medical services, who may or may not be stationed at the area office in which the part-time sub-office is situated, which involves in many cases a delay of seven to 10 days before the pensioner is examined for treatment, during which period the pensioner is deprived of treatment allowances, even though the cost of treatment ultimately provided would, and does, prevent him from working; and will he look into this matter?

Major TRYON

As the information asked for in the first part of the question involves a number of details, I am causing the particulars to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) on the 3rd instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

Following are the particulars promised:

The days and hours of attendance at the part-time offices mentioned are as follows:

Part-time sub-office and days and hours of opening.

Whitby:

Alternate Thursdays in each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Northallerton:

Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Todmorden:

Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Pontefract:

Mondays 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 1.45 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Fridays 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Goole:

Thursdays 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mexborough:

Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Rotherham:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

It is appreciated that certain pensioners live more than 10 miles from any office of the Ministry, but there is in nearly every district a voluntary worker appointed by the War Pensions Committee for the area, who will assist any applicant in the submission of his case.