HC Deb 19 February 1973 vol 851 cc23-4
36. Mr. Millan

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a further statement on Civil Service dispersal from London.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough, East (Mr. Bottomley) on 2nd February.

Mr. Millan

May I again draw the Minister's attention to the claims of the West of Scotland as a dispersal area? Is he aware that there is a good deal of concern there and elsewhere that the statement originally promised before the end of last year is not to appear, at least until Easter? Will he give an assurance that there has been no lessening of the Government's determination to see that when the statement is made it contains proposals for a massive dispersal of Civil Service work from London to the regions?

Mr. Baker

The Hardman Report will be presented to Ministers in a matter of days. They will then consider it. The House will appreciate that the Ministers are concerned because the internal organisation of their Departments is affected. I will ensure that such information as is available is made available to hon. Members at the earliest possible moment. As for the claims for the West of Scotland, those, together with the claims of other regions, will be fully taken into account.

Mr. Tilney

Will my hon. Friend consider very carefully the claims of Merseyside, where there is ample vacant office accommodation?

Mr. Baker

I am sure that Sir Henry Hardman has given the claim of Liverpool the same careful attention which he has given to the claims of West Scotland.