HC Deb 14 December 1954 vol 535 cc1564-5
26. Mr. Speir

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will give an assurance that he will retain his Department's regional office at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Mr. Sandys

Our regional office at Newcastle will be retained; but the size of the staff and the scope of their functions will be reduced.

Mr. Speir

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that this decision will be warmly welcomed by local authorities in the North-East? Can he say whether the reduction in staff will lead to any slowing down of matters relating to housing which are put to the regional office by local authorities?

Mr. Sandys

I hope not.