§ Mr. O'Neillasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what standard instructions have been issued to local managers of centralised offices of his Department regarding the issue of travel warrants to claimants in areas where long journeys have become necessary, following closures or reductions in hours of opening.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAny claimant who necessarily attends a local office of the Department is entitled to claim164W travelling expenses. Reimbursement is usually made at the time of the visit or immediately afterwards by post. In cases of severe hardship, an advance payment of fares may be made on request but a more usual response in these circumstances would be to arrange a home visit by one of the Department's officials.