§ 6. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to encourage industry and Government Departments to locate their offices in seaside areas and outside the Greater London area.
§ Mr. DarlingIn administering the proposed control of office development, the Board of Trade expects to take account, among other factors, of the needs of some seaside areas for office employment.
§ Mr. RidsdaleDo the Government realise the advantage to health alone of moving to the seaside, especially the seaside areas of north-east Essex? Can he say what steps he is taking? Does he realise that this is a very urgent probof British business?
§ Mr. DarlingIf I even hinted that a certain area would be receiving favourable consideration scores of hon. Members would immediately protest. It is too early to say where office development will be steered until comprehensive studies in relation to office location have been completed.
§ Mr. Hall-DavisIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the proposed transfer of the Government Department—the Post Office Savings Division—from Morecambe? Will he bear in mind the desirability of replacing this work with alternative Government work?
§ Mr. DarlingWe will look into the matter.