asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the grave inconvenience and loss of employment which would be caused among the staff of the Ministry now employed at Acton, he can give any assurance to the House that it is not proposed to decentralise the issue of pensions to the regions?

Mr. ROBERTS:

There is no present intention of making this change, but I am, of course, unable to give a pledge that, should such a step be found advantageous at some future date, it would not be taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at page 275 of this year's Labour Year Book, where be will find this change outlined, and may I press him to reconsider it, as it will throw out of employment many hard-working people in my constituency?

Mr. ROBERTS:

I think that that point is well covered by the answer which I have given.

I am very nervous about it.