Mr. T. G. Thomasasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is considering the establishment of a Welsh office for the administration of social insurance schemes; and what measure of autonomy will be vested in that office.
§ Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will give an assurance that Wales will retain its autonomy in the administration of the proposed social insurance services, National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Bill and the Family Allowances Act, 1945.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAs stated by the Prime Minister in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Cardigan (Captain Bowen) on 29th October, it will be necessary for reasons of efficiency to concentrate certain items of work under the new Insurance Scheme at one Centre. For example, the Ministry's Claims and Record Office for purposes of the Family Allowances Act will be situated in Newcastle. But in general a large measure of decentralisation of the schemes falling within my administration will be both possible and desirable, and I certainly contemplate the establishment of a central Welsh Office with supporting local offices in various parts of the Principality.