§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of National Insurance how many local offices he proposes establishing in the West Riding of Yorkshire; how many of these have now been obtained; to what extent he proposes sharing accommodation with other Government Departments; and whether the location of the offices will give a convenient service to the public.
§ Mr. SteeleSeventy-seven local offices have been planned for the West Riding and up to date 55 sets of suitable premises have been obtained, one of these being in a Ministry of Labour employment exchange; this is the only case in which sharing of accommodation has been found possible. Search for premises in the remaining 22 cases is being vigorously pressed, but as will be appreciated the difficulties in obtaining premises are formidable. In any cases where suitable premises for a completely equipped office are not secured before the appointed day, small offices will be opened at which claims can be received and information and advice given. Eight of these offices will be in Ministry of Labour employment exchanges. The minimum service at which my hon. Friend is aiming is that the great majority of the insured population should have an office within five miles.