§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reopen Camborne Benefits Agency office in Cornwall; and if he will make a statement. [17937]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison To Mr. David Jamieson, dated 28 February 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will reopen Camborne Benefits Agency office in Cornwall.I can confirm that the Camborne advice shop, which was temporarily closed on 8 January, will reopen on 3 March 1997.The Advice Shop service, which does not have benefit processing or payment facilities, was suspended in order that staff could be redeployed to cover temporary absences and to deal with a greater than predicted take up of Job Seekers Allowance. The number of claims received have now reduced to anticipated levels. More staff will have completed their training which will in turn release staff to their usual duties. This will enable normal service to be resumed at the Advice Shop.I hope you find this reply helpful.