§ Mr. John Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what increase in staff resources he will allocate to the supplementary benefit office at 6 Camberwell New Road, SE5; and when the office will re-open
§ Mr. LyellI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Stevens) on 7 March at column322, in which he announced that over 5,000 staff have been allocated to local offices this year in addition to the number justified by normal staffing arrangements. The supplementary benefit office at 6 Camberwell New Road received an additional 10 staff as its share of the 5,000 staff. A full review of local office complements is in progress, the results of which will be taken into account in determining staff resources for all local offices after April 1987. Until then, there are no proposals to provide a further increase in staffing levels at this office.
Plans are being prepared to repair serious damage to the counter area, caused by members of the public. The office will open again when the repairs are completed and the facilities are safe for both staff and public.
Men and single women Married women Month Claims received Claims cleared Claims received Claims cleared1 1985 October 744 749 1,261 — November 654 551 1,783 — December 543 446 913 — 1986 January 774 646 1,367 — February 855 636 1,272 — March 755 637 1,132 —