HC Deb 05 May 1964 vol 694 cc1099-101
27. Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the Report on the Dispersal from London of Government Work by Sir Gilbert Flemming as a White Paper.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir.

Mr. Rankin

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that to bury Government statements of policy in HANSARD is merely helping to create the misconceptions outside and inside which are resulting in jealousies which are solely his responsibility? Does he realise that London is the ceremonial, commercial and administrative capital of Great Britain? Does he also realise that if we are to bring about a fairer distribution of the wealth and industry of Britain between Land's End and John-o'-Groats, then a much wider and better publicised plan than he has at the moment in mind is necessary to achieve that end?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As it happens, I am answering another Question on this subject later this afternoon which the hon. Gentleman has allowed to go written. With respect, his supplementary question has very little to do with the Question on the Order Paper with which we are dealing. The reason why this Report cannot be published is that it is an ordinary confidential working document within the Government machine. Full statements of Government policy are made from time to time. I have made two or three in the last few months on a matter in which I know that the hon. Gentleman and the House as a whole take a very great and proper interest.

Mr. Houghton

Would the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the Report is made available, confidentially if necessary, to the staff interests most concerned? Is he aware that there is a good deal of peturbation among Government servants in London at the dispersal plans, and that it would be for good staff relations if they were brought into the confidence of the Government to the utmost extent?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I share very much the hon. Gentleman's views on that matter. It is our intention, and has been our practice, to have the closest consultation on changes which, though very much in the public interest, obviously arouse human and personal problems for the staff concerned. I will consider the point which the hon. Gentleman has raised, and it may well be that it has in some degree already been dealt with.

Mr. Rankin

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is taking a rather unfair advantage of the fact that I had tabled a Written Question on another aspect of the problem? Will he not try to answer the point that I made with regard to the redistribution of wealth and industry more clearly than in the statement which he has already made?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The hon. Gentleman has sufficient experience of this House to be able to place on the Order Paper the Question that he wants. He asked a specific Question, whether I would publish a Report, and I gave him a very specific answer.