§ Mr. Muddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present staff-to-claimant ratio in her Department's offices, respectively, at Truro and Penzance; and if she is satisfied that the ratio is realistic to avoid delays in the handling and investigation of new claims.
§ Mr. MeacherLocal offices deal with a wide range of benefits which require different lengths of time to process them. A simple staff-to-claimant ratio would be misleading. However, during the four weeks ended 2nd December 1975 the number of claims received—or for retirement pensions, awards made—for the principal benefits were as follows:
Truro office Penzance office Sickness Benefit 1,257 556 Injury Benefit 113 64 Maternity Benefit 115 74 Supplementary Benefit 1,213 779 Retirement Pension (awards made) 211 105 There are currently 152 staff in the Truro office and 84 in the Penzance office.
I am satisfied that this provision is adequate to deal with the normal intake of work with the minimal amount of delay. At times of peak activity the permanent staff may be supplemented with temporary staff and overtime working.