HC Deb 30 April 1974 vol 872 cc926-7
10. Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now announce the intended permanent location of the head offices of the Manpower Services Commission, the Training Services Agency and the Employment Services Agency.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Harold Walker)

The commission is making a study of this question, and when we have received and considered its views we shall announce a decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Redmond

Are not the commission and its two agencies concerned with people in industry? Is there not a bigger concentration of people in industry in the North-West than in any other part of the country? Would it not be a good idea for the commission or one of its agencies to establish its headquarters in Lancashire?

Mr. Walker

This matter was considered by the Hardman Committee, and the Government are examining the report of that committee as a matter of some urgency.

Mr. Dan Jones

When my hon. Friend is considering Lancashire will he give special consideration to north-east Lancashire, which has suffered more than the county generally?

Mr. Walker

I assure my hon. Friend that we shall have regard to the claims of Lancashire, of north-east Lancashire and of all other parts of the country before we announce our decision.