§ Mr. Terry Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the current reorganisation of the regional offices of the Department of Health and Social Security and the consequent reduction in their number from 12 to seven will have any effect on the war pensions welfare service.
§ Mr. Rossi:The reorganisation of regional social security offices is basically designed to devolve more responsibility to local offices. This will have no adverse effect on the war pensioners welfare service.
§ Mr. Terry Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consult war pensions committees and ex-Service organisations before making any changes in the organisation and administration of the war pensions welfare service.
§ Mr. Rossi:The service has been in existence for over 30 years, and from time to time we look at it to ensure that it adapts to changing circumstances and makes the best use of the resources available, particularly in view of the work done for war pensioners by the war pensions committees and the voluntary organisations. We are asking the central advisory committee whether there are any changes that could be made, and of course no changes will be put in hand without the fullest consultation with all interested parties, notably the war pensions committees and the voluntary organisations.