HC Deb 10 May 1976 vol 911 cc19-21
23. Mr. Canavan

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many Civil Service jobs are based in Scotland.

The Minister of State, Civil Service Department (Mr. Charles R. Morris)

As I advised my hon. Friend on 23rd February, there are at present 66,000 civil servants in Scotland.

Mr. Canavan

Does my hon. Friend agree that the dispersal of jobs such as that now taking place in the Ministry of Overseas Development to areas of high unemployment like West-Central Scotland is a valuable contribution towards easing the unemployment situation in such areas? Will he give an assurance that, despite rumours and threats of staffing cuts in the Civil Service, the dispersal of jobs will be extended?

Mr. Morris

The Government take seriously their commitment on the dispersal of jobs.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Is the Minister aware of the real concern in Scotland about the continued delays in the programme for transferring 10,000 Ministry of Defence and Foreign Office jobs to Scotland? May we have an assurance that the transfer will take place and that the dates will be adhered to? When shall we have news of the decision on the contract for the building of offices in St. Enoch Square, Glasgow?

Mr. Morris

We have made considerable progress in the detailed planning for the dispersal of Ministry of Defence jobs to Glasgow. I can give a specific assurance that the Government seek to honour their commitments on dispersal for the years 1982–84.

Mr. Michael McGuire

Is the Minister aware that from the Questions that I have tabled and the answers I have received it is obvious that the North-West Region has done badly in the dispersal of jobs?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The Question is about Scotland.

Mr. McGuire

May I ask the Minister to bear in mind the real need for the Merseyside area to have jobs allocated to it?

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is not fair. Hon. Members must put down their own Questions if they wish to ask about other areas.

Mr. Buchan

Is it not the case, Mr. Speaker, that if a Question is asked about dispersal to one part of the country it is also valid to consider its effect on other areas?

Mr. Speaker

If the hon. Gentleman is seeking to challenge me, may I remind him that the Question is about how many Civil Service jobs are being dispersed to Scotland. It is clear that if we are to have any order in the House we must try to make questions relate to the Order Paper.

Mr. Buchan

Does the Minister agree that one of the difficulties that we face is the fear amongst civil servants in England caused by the noise being made by the party that is fighting for Scottish independence? Will the Minister say how many accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank, which employs 5,000 civil servants, are Scottish and how many are English?

Mr. Morris

Questions relating to the Post Office should be put to the Secretary of State for Industry.