§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will quantify the savings arising from the transfer of processing staff from his Port Talbot office to Bridgend for each of the next three years.
§ Mr. BurtThe resourcing of offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.
§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security why the visit of Sir Michael Partridge to the Port Talbot offices of the DSS was cancelled; and what cost was incurred, directly or indirectly, in the cancellation.
§ Mr. BurtSir Michael Partridge had to defer his visit to the Department of Social Security office in Port Talbot because he was required by his other duties to remain in London on that day. No direct costs were incurred. Indirect costs are estimated to be in the region of £10.