HC Deb 15 July 1988 vol 137 cc387-8W
Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he intends to make any changes in the arrangements for handling foils from order books after encashment at post offices.

Mr. Portillo

An internal study recommended that certain accounting work presently carried out by the Post Office at Chesterfield and Edinburgh could be carried out more efficiently and economically at the paid order store operated by the Department of Health and Social Services (Northern Ireland) on behalf of this Department.

Following a review of the proposals, and in consultation with the Post Office, I have agreed to a trial in a small area to start in January 1989.

The proposed change in procedures has no effect on the counter network.

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