HC Deb 27 November 1973 vol 865 cc195-6
7. Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now announce the location of the offices of the Manpower Services Commission.

19. Miss Joan Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will announce the site for the new premises of the Manpower Services Commission.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

The Government are still considering the recommendations of the Hardman Report on dispersal of Government work from London, and we hope to make an announcement fairly soon. In the immediate future the offices of the commission will be in Stratton House, London W1.

Mr. Redmond

Will my right hon. Friend make sure that in the meantime the offices do not take root in London? Will he bear in mind that the biggest industrial conurbation in this country is in Lancashire? Would not that be the most suitable place to put the offices of the Manpower Services Commission, bearing in mind also that Bolton is in the middle of Lancashire?

Mr. Macmillan

I am always prepared to bear in mind what my hon. Friend says about the amenities in his constituency, and his suggestions for improvement, but we are awaiting the outcome of the Hardman Report. As I said, in the immediate future the offices will be in London, but I hope that we shall be able to come to some agreement to disperse them in due course.