§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost of repairing the damage done to the reception area of the Westfield house office of his Department in Bradford, including the replacement of reinforced glass screens; when the office will reopen; what arrangements have been made to refer callers to other DHSS offices in Bradford; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThe cost of repairing the damage to the public area, including replacement of reinforced glass screens, has been estimated at between £1,700 and £2,000. It is hoped that the work will be completed in time for the office to reopen to the public by the beginning of the week commencing Monday 18 April. Callers are being directed to Bradford south local office which is situated about one mile away. A notice on the public entrance sets out the alternative arrangements, which have also been publicised in the local press. The public caller office at Shipley is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays and extra staff have been deployed to deal with inquiries.