HC Deb 25 February 1960 vol 618 cc549-50
8. Mr. Grey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions there have been with the appropriate Civil Service staff side representatives concerning the possible transfer of Government offices to Durham; and if he will make a statement.

Sir E. Boyle

There have been no such discussions. I have assured the hon. Member on a number of occasions, the Government will continue their efforts to find a suitable office for transfer to Durham.

Mr. Grey

This kind of Answer is becoming too silly for words. We have heard it before, and we are getting tired of it. What are the difficulties on the staff side of a Department about moving a Department to Durham? Does the staff side want to go or not? If it does not want to go, may I suggest that the hon. Gentleman apply the simple remedy of asking for volunteers to come to Durham, and thus relieve those who do not want to of the need to move?

Sir E. Boyle

As the hon. Gentleman knows, it is a difficult matter. The decision to remove a large Department, or section of a Department, as far as Durham is obviously a big decision. I know the hon. Gentleman's concern in the matter, but there has really not been anything further to report since he led his deputation to my predecessor last summer.