HC Deb 02 February 1972 vol 830 cc443-4
37. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement on the progress made in the creation of a Civil Service College in Scotland.

Mr. David Howell

The Edinburgh Centre of the Civil Service College opened on 4th November, 1970, and has at present 180 student places. The training now provided includes courses for executive officers, for civil servants at middle management level and for those in the scientific and professional classes. Present proposals envisage a total of about 400 places when the adaptation of all the buildings is completed. This is expected to be in the mid-1970s.

Mr. Dalyell

Are there any delays in the proposed expansion?

Mr. Howell

I have no evidence of delays at the moment. If the hon. Gentleman does have evidence of delays or has reports of that kind which have come to him and will let me know them, I will certainly look into them.

Dr. Dickson Mahon

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the excellent decision to set up this college was made by the previous Government, and in view of the unemployment and the dispersal of civil servants throughout the country may we ask that more of these people should be able to establish themselves at this new establishment?

Mr. Howell

That raises a broader question. It is true that a dispersal study is going on. We hope to be able to announce a decision towards the autumn, but it is a separate question from that of the Civil Service College.