HC Deb 04 May 1965 vol 711 cc1098-9
22. Mr. Miscampbell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to encourage Government Departments to establish offices in Blackpool.

Mr. MacDermot

We plan to move a division of the Ministry of Health, employing about 400 staff, from London to Fleetwood, probably in 1967. Fleetwood is within easy reach of Blackpool.

Mr. Miscampbell

I thank the hon. and learned Gentleman for that Answer so far as it goes. Will he bear in mind that at times our unemployment problem is considerably worse than that of areas which are designated development districts?

Mr. MacDermot

It is for that reason that the Blackpool area has had a good share of Civil Service employment. In Blackpool at present there are the headquarters staffs of some 300 of the Ministry of Health and 1,800 of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance. In addition, within the Blackpool area there is the North-West District Office of the Land Registry, in Lytham, employing some 550 staff, and there is also the Premium Bonds Division of the Post Office employing some 2,700.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the total number of Government employees transferred to the whole of Scotland to date is only 700? Will he consider increasing that number?

Mr. MacDermot

It will be substantially increased when the Post Office Savings Bank headquarters is transferred to Glasgow.