§ 16. Mr. Duffyasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects the decision to be made on the locality of the Manpower Services Commission.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerWe expect to be able to make an announcement about the location of the Manpower Services Commission shortly.
§ Mr. DuffyIs the Minister aware that the Hardman Report has nothing in it for Yorkshire, that no part of the country 1180 is more in need of the kind of employment that the Hardman Report was concerned to disperse than South Yorkshire and that his hon. Friends in that area are confident that he and his right hon. Friend will continue to put the strong claims of Sheffield and district before those who will take this decision?
§ Mr. WalkerThe whole House will recognise the persistence with which we have pursued this matter on behalf of my hon. Friend's constituency, and I hope that when the decision is made those responsible will take full heed of the remarks of my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. StokesWill the Minister consider whether this large Manpower Services Commission is now justified in view of present economic conditions? Will he also say what is its total cost? Does he agree that the people concerned would be better employed in manufacturing industry?
§ Mr. WalkerIt was the decision of the Conservative Government, endorsed by Parliament, that created the Manpower Services Commission and also set up the Hardman Committee which recommended its dispersal.