§ 11. Mr. Boydenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what immediate plans he has for moving Government offices from London to those places where unemployment is high or imminent; and when he last discussed this question with the appropriate Civil Service staff side representatives.
Mr. AmoryA programme for the removal of certain Government offices from London was agreed with the National Staff Side and is still being completed; and the choice of new locations under this programme, or in connection with any other move of a Government office, takes account of local employment situations. The dispersal policy was last the subject of correspondence with the National Staff Side in 1958.
§ Mr. BoydenIs the Chancellor not aware that on 18th January there were 1,342 juveniles unemployed in the County of Durham? Many of them were boys. One of the reasons is the shortage of suitable variations in employment. In addition, the figure conceals the misemployment of young people who are doing jobs below their talents. Does the Chancellor not think that the Government should set an example in this respect to encourage private industry to bring offices to the County of Durham?
Mr. AmoryI agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of dispersal where one can achieve it, but the dispersal of whole Government Departments raises fairly long-term problems that have to be looked at quite a time ahead.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Chancellor bear in mind that there is high unemployment in Falmouth? We have a wonderful climate which I am sure civil servants would appreciate.