HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 cc1433-4
34. Mr. Lawson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of persons employed in the head office of his Department; and where that head office is located.

Mr. Erroll

The number employed at the Board of Trade head office in Horse Guards Avenue is 1,981.

Mr. Lawson

Is not this a very large Department to be centred here in London? Does not the President of the Board of Trade think that he should give a lead to industry—since he is urging industry to go to areas of high unemployment—by establishing his head office in some such area, thereby taking a leaf out of the book of the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance?

Mr. Erroll

I have looked at the matter very carefully, but considering the range of work and the nature of that work which must be done at head office the total headquarters staff is quite modest. Other Board of Trade offices are scattered elsewhere, and we have regional offices as well, so that nothing like everything is concentrated on Horse Guards Avenue.

Mr. Lawson

But need the head office itself be in the centre? Could not quite a small office be used for the purpose here?

Mr. Erroll

No, Sir. It is always a surprise to me when I go in at the front door to see so many other people going through at the same time, a number of them being callers who want to do business With the Board of Trade, and I am sure that in the interests of our commerce and trade it is right that the head office should be where it is.

Mr. G. Brown

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that bigger surprise is felt by those who see him going through the front door every day?