§ 9. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Labour what action he has taken to improve the staffing of his Department in Portsmouth following recent closures in the neighbourhood.
§ Mr. FernyhoughTo deal with the redeployment of redundant workers in the area, the staffing of my Department in Portsmouth has been improved by allocating two experienced officers temporarily and one on a long term basis. In addition two clerks have been engaged locally.
§ Mr. JuddIs my hon. Friend aware that, in the area, there is great admiration for the work of his Department in the recent difficult situation? In view of possible significant changes in the employment pattern in the area there is widespread hope that he will keep the staffing and resources of the Department under constant review.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI am happy to have heard that tribute and I will see that it is passed on to the staff. My hon. Friend can rest assured that we always keep the staffing position under review.