§ 30. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a further statement on the progress made in dispersing Civil Service jobs to Glasgow.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisAs I told the hon. Member on 23rd February, the sites for the main Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Overseas Development dispersals were announced on 3rd February. I understand that the Departments concerned are continuing to press forward with the detailed planning of the moves which are due to take place in 1982 to 1984 and in 1980 respectively.
§ Mr. TaylorCan the hon. Gentleman give an assurance about when the contracts will be placed for the building of these new offices? Is he aware that, because of the defence cuts and other problems facing the Government, and because no provision appears to have been made in the Public Expenditure White Paper for the new offices, there is growing concern in Glasgow about whether his Department can stick to the programme?
§ Mr. MorrisI am in some difficulty about adding to the information I have already made available to the hon. Gentleman and to the House on this matter. But I assure the hon. Gentleman that the question of the letting of contracts is for the Property Services Agency and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.