§ Q9. Mr. Ewingasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Minister for the Civil Service and the Secretary of State for Social Services in respect of the need to provide additional staff at Social Security offices throughout the country; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. CarrI have been asked to reply.
Yes, 4,000 extra permanent posts have been authorised and are being added to the complement of local offices of the Department of Health and Social Security. This follows a comprehensive agreement with the staff side which also covers a review of the Department's staffing procedures, improvements in training arrangements and in the physical conditions of local offices, as well as a study aimed at simplifying and improving work methods.