HC Deb 13 January 1971 vol 809 c62
37. Mr. Dormand

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will transfer the offices of a Government Department to Peterlee.

Mr. David Howell

We shall consider Peterlee, along with other places in development areas, as a possible location for a dispersed Government office both under the study announced in the White Paper on the Reorganisation of Central Government, Cmnd. 4506, and as cases arise apart from the study.

Mr. Dormand

In giving a cautious welcome to that Answer, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that the substantial incentives which were offered in the policy of the Labour Government failed to achieve the level and type of employment that the area needs? Is he aware that the policies of the present Government are exacerbating the position? Does he agree that action of the kind I am suggesting is imperative when one has a rising unemployment level of 6.5 per cent., which is the position in the area now?

Mr. Howell

I do not accept the second proposition and I assure the hon. Gentleman that areas of high unemployment will be given sympathetic consideration. I cannot, however, give a specific commitment in relation to Peterlee at this stage.

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