asked the Minister of National Insurance why the concessions of allowances for the removal expenses, cost of travel and lodging, have been withdrawn from temporary civil servants who have, at his request, agreed to be transferred away from their homes in Blackpool to fund offices in other parts of the country.

Members of the temporary staff were invited to volunteer for transfer to fund offices on the footing that they would receive temporary transfer allowances for the first three months, and that they would then be given the option of remaining at a fund office without further payment of allowances or of returning to Blackpool. Where, however, a married officer or an officer with equivalent responsibilities has elected to remain at a fund office, I have decided to offer him the alternative of permanent transfer terms.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make quite certain that none of the staff covered by this Question have been deprived of their travelling allowances once they have become permanently attached to fund offices?

Yes. These permanent transfer terms will, I think, meet the desires of members of the staff.