Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about proposals to close the war pensions office in Swansea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeNo representations have been received, but there have been a number of local inquiries about the future of the Swansea war pensioners welfare office. The matter was also discussed at a meeting of the Dyfed and West Glamorgan war pensions committee in December 1990. The proposal was one of a number of recommendations about the location of war pensioners welfare offices made in the report of a routine management inspection of the war pensioners welfare service carried out last year. The recommendations are being considered, but no decisions have yet been taken. Any proposals for change which may emerge will be discussed fully with the central advisory committee on war pensions, and local war pensions committees will have an opportunity to comment. The interests of war pensioners and war widows will be safeguarded and we shall ensure that the effectiveness of the welfare service is fully maintained.