File A1/230. - Austin Strutt, Home Office, Whitehall, London SW1. The decision to transfer work to Newcastle from the Central Branch Office of ...,

Austin Strutt, Home Office, Whitehall, London SW1. The decision to transfer work to Newcastle from the Central Branch Office of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance at Cardiff. This is simply a reflection of the Government's drive to achieve economy in public expenditure and is meant simply to centralise the routine clerical work of issuing pension order books. The responsibilities of the Ministry's local offices will remain unimpaired. Claims for pensions will continue to be processed locally. The decision forms no part of the Government's policy on administrative devolution on which the Council's Report is awaited. The Home Secretary is fully aware of the emphasis which the Council places on devolution of responsibility to the Welsh offices of the various Ministries.