§ 24. Mr. John Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the reopening of the Oval SE5 supplementary benefit office.
§ Mr. LyellThe Department regrets that its Oval office was unable to open to the public between 22 October 1986 and 21 November 1986.
On 22 October 1986 an attack by a claimant caused damage to furniture and fittings in the public reception area and the office had to be closed from that date to enable repairs to be made. The damage was made good by 13 November 1986 but the office could not be reopened because some members of staff were taking industrial action.
The industrial action ceased on 24 November 1986 and the office reopened to the public on that day.