HC Deb 16 March 1977 vol 928 cc182-3W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local offices and caller offices of his Department have closed over the past 10 years; and whether all claimants can still visit the remaining offices using public transport.

Mr. Deakins

Since August 1966, 1,067 local offices dealing solely with either national insurance or supplementary benefits have been closed and replaced by 368 integrated local offices providing a comprehensive service over the full range of benefits. The number of manned caller offices increased during this period by 25 to the present total of 340. Accessibility by the public, particularly by public transport, is a prime consideration in the location of offices.