HC Deb 09 June 1964 vol 696 cc224-5
15. Dr. Bray

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether sufficient use is being made of the technical services available to local authorities in the regional offices of his department to justify their extension.

Sir K. Joseph

I am glad to say that very full use is being made of these services, and I have already made plans for their extension as soon as the necessary additional staff can be obtained.

Dr. Bray

Can the right hon. Gentleman give fuller details of which particular technical services are in demand?

Sir K. Joseph

I am expecting nearly to double the number of architects, quantity surveyors and planning, research and estate officers in the Newcastle Regional Office. In Manchester, I am expecting to add six planning research and estate officers, where there have been none, and to increase the number of architects and quantity surveyors by two.