55. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the overwork imposed on special investigators and the long time taken in clearing up cases of abuse of supplementary benefits, he will now appoint 300 more investigators at London and regional headquarters of the Department as proposed by the two unions involved.
§ Mr. EnnalsNo. Staff requirements for this work are kept under constant review. The number of special investigators has been increased by 33 during the past 12 months to the present total of 183, and 23 further appointments, bringing the total to 206, will be made as suitable officers are available.