HC Deb 29 July 1974 vol 878 cc19-20
40. Mr. David Steel

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will now make a statement on dispersal of civil servants to Scotland.

39. Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he expects to announce the Government's decision on the Hardman proposals for the dispersal of civil servants.

41. Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement about the dispersal of civil servants from London to Teesside.

46. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he expects to announce the decision of the Government on the Hardman proposals for the dispersal of civil servants.

The Minister of State, Civil Service Department (Mr. Robert Sheldon)

My right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council will make a statement to the House tomorrow on the dispersal of civil servants from London.

Mr. Taylor

I am glad to note that there will be an announcement on this important matter. Can the Minister give assurances to remove some of the uncertainties and unreasonable fears that London's civil servants have about dispersing to Scotland or Wales? Will he arrange for those civil servants who have been dispersed there to have full and comprehensive meetings with those who might be dispersed in the future?

Mr. Sheldon

There will certainly be a need for full and comprehensive meetings after the announcement to be made tomorrow.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

Is my hon. Friend aware that people on Teesside will be pleased to hear that in just half the time it took the Conservative Government the Labour Government have taken decisions on the Hardman Committee's report which will be announced tomorrow? Is he aware that on Teesside we have an over-dependence on chemicals and steel and that there is a desperate need for an extension of the range of employment into white collar jobs not affected by the regular ups and downs of the economy? Will he take this into account in making his decisions about the dispersal of civil servants.

Mr. Sheldon

I am grateful for the first part of my hon. Friend's question. The needs of Teesside are being taken fully into account.