HC Deb 22 March 1960 vol 620 c227
35. Mr. Grey

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will give the names of the Departments about which he has had consultations with the staff side representatives concerning a possible transfer to Durham.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Sir Edward Boyle)

I have had no such consultations. When the plan, which was subsequently abandoned, to transfer the Headquarters of the Land Registry to Durham was proposed, the National Staff Side were informed; and when, later, the transfer to Durham of part of the Ministry of Education was under consideration, representatives of the staff were told of this.

Mr. Grey

May I ask the Financial Secretary if he will state what other Departments he has in mind? Does he have a particular one in mind that might be transferred to Durham, or is he meeting with staff difficulties, because, if so, why does he not do the same as he did when he asked Departments to invite volunteers to go to Lytham St. Annes Regional Land Registry Office? I understand that he got more than 800 replies. If it can be done in that case, why cannot it be done in Durham? May I ask if he will invite volunteers to go to Durham, when he will be surprised at the result?

Sir E. Boyle

I have answered the Question, and I have nothing more to add on the subject since the last time the hon. Gentleman put down a Question.