§ 26. Mr. Speirasked 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. SandysOur regional office at Newcastle will be retained; but the size of the staff and the scope of their functions will be reduced.
§ Mr. SpeirDoes 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. SandysI hope not.