HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 c57W
Sir Geoffrey Finsberg

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the level of staffing and speed of response to public inquiries at his Department's office in Melton street, London NW1.

Mr. Major

A further 5,000 staff for DHSS local offices was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services on 7 March 1986. This very substantial increase, of which the Melton street office will receive an appropriate share, will ensure adequate levels of service throughout the coming financial year.

Sir Geoffrey Finsberg

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his answer of 7 March, Official Report, column 322, how many of the extra local office staff referred to will be added to those already employed at the Melton street office NW1, and the Cricklewood office, NW2 of his Department.

Mr. Major

The method of distributing the extra local office staff has still to be decided. It is not possible at this stage to say how many extra staff individual local offices will receive.