asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will consider opening a National Assistance office in the Borough of Willesden to assist retirement pensioners and others who have at present to travel some distance to the Paddington, Hampstead, and Wembley branches of his Department.

The Board hopes to open a local office in the Borough of Willesden when suitable premises can be obtained.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will state the total number of people in the Borough of Willesden in receipt of National Assistance.

I regret that the number of persons in Willesden receiving weekly National Assistance grants is not known precisely, as the borough is at present served by two offices which between them also serve the whole of two other boroughs and part of a third.