§ 14. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what proportion of his staff is situated in Scotland; and whether he will consider further dispersal from London in conformity with the declared policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. SharplesAbout one-twelfth of the staff of the Department in the United Kingdom work in Scotland. We are examining the organisation of the Department following the transfer of responsibility for works for the Service Departments and intend that all works in Scotland shall be designed and controlled in Scotland unless there are exceptional reasons for other arrangements.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that in principle Government Departments should give a lead in the policy of dispersal of Government employees from London to the provinces? Will he give an assurance that his Department will be one of the pioneers in the advocacy of that principle?
§ Mr. SharplesYes, Sir. That is, of course, a matter which we are examining carefully, and it certainly is our intention to do that.