§ 10. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Power whether, in conformity with the policy of dispersion of office accommodation out of London, he will issue a general direction to the National Coal Board to remove its headquarters to the Scottish coal field.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the right hon. Gentleman say what reason there is for not accepting this suggestion? Is it not the case that over the last few years there have been more closures in Scotland than anywhere else, so that it would seem singularly appropriate for the Coal Board to open something in Scotland? In view of the enormous depth of despair in Rothes when the new pit was closed, would it not be highly appropriate for the Coal Board to open up there?
§ Mr. WoodThe hon. Member asks whether I will give a general direction. 1527 This is not a suitable matter for a general direction because it is primarily the responsibility of the Coal Board. A very high proportion of the Board's non-manual staff is already decentralised from London, including a number in Scotland, as the hon. Gentleman is doubtless aware. Apart from the divisional staff, there are a number of national establishments outside London and I think that the Coal Board has already decentralised itself to a considerable extent.
§ Mr. HamiltonHas the right hon. Gentleman approached Lord Robens on this issue? Can he tell the House how many of the Coal Board stall are currently employed in London? Can he say how their continued employment in London links up with the declared policy of the Government to get as many office workers out of London as they can?
§ Mr. WoodI have discussed this with Lord Robens. There are 2,000 Coal Board employees working in London. I know that Lord Robens is continually considering this matter and seeing whether he may decide of his own volition that more should be moved out of London into other parts of Scotland, England, or Wales.