HC Deb 06 December 1976 vol 922 cc21-2
26. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether it is still the intention of the Government that Civil Service jobs shall be dispersed to the Blackpool area; and how many jobs are involved.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

Yes. The dispersal from London of 980 posts of the Department of Health and Social Security is proceeding. Over 140 posts have been moved so far and the remainder are expected to move by 1979–80.

Mr. Blaker

I welcome that reply. Will the Minister confirm that the arguments for this move have not changed in any way since the Government announced their decision in 1974?

Mr. Morris

I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government remain firmly committed to the policy arising from the Hardman Committee's recommendations.

Mr. Michael McGuire

Is my hon. Friend aware that, whatever case can be made out for Blackpool, an overwhelming case can be made out for dispersing some of the Government posts not yet allocated to areas such as Skelmersdale? Will my hon. Friend confirm that consideration is being given to this matter? There are some outstandingly large departments still to be transferred, and as Skelmersdale is greatly in need I hope that he will confirm that we shall get one.

Mr. Morris

I have noted the determined manner in which my hon. Friend has put forward the claim of Skelmersdale for the dispersal of Civil Service departments. If my hon. Friend looks at the Government's policy, not only on dispersing Civil Service departments from London but on establishing new Civil Service departments, he will see that we are determined to locate them in assisted areas throughout the country such as Skelmersdale.

Mr. David Price

In addition to bearing in mind the regional considerations, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Civil Service departments must serve the public? If they are too far from the main concentrations of people, they may fail to do their job—for example, having the public sector department of the Inland Revenue in Wales and most of the people affected by it in London?

Mr. Morris

The Civil Service will bear in mind its obligation to serve the public.