§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Benefits Agency offices or their equivalent had one or more benefits advisers on the premises(a) in 1979 and (b) currently. [43388]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyAlthough the Benefits Agency does not formally employ "benefits advisers", I can confirm that staff in every office of the Agency are able to provide advice about benefit entitlements and related matters, or to obtain such advice. Similarly, in 1979, every local benefits office in the Department of Health and Social Security employed staff who were able to provide or obtain such advice.