HC Deb 26 March 1979 vol 965 cc21-2
26. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what progress is being made with the dispersal of civil servants to Scotland.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

Detailed planning for the dispersal of Civil Service posts to Scotland is proceeding according to the timetable announced by my right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Privy Seal in July 1977.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the Minister give an assurance that that timetable will be exactly as scheduled, irrespective of the opposition of some Civil Service unions? Will be assure us that it will still go ahead?

Mr. Morris

I assure my hon. Friend that the Government and I remain firmly committed to the dispersal programme. In Scotland, 1,500 Civil Service jobs will be dispersed to Glasgow during 1983–84. Up to 4,000 jobs will go to the St. Enoch site at Glasgow in 1987–88. The Ministry of Overseas Development will disperse 650 jobs to East Kilbride in 1980–81. The Directorate of Overseas Surveys will disperse 350 jobs to the Glasgow area, on a site not yet determined.

Mr. Adley

Will the Minister tell the Secretary of State for Scotland that there will be widespread support for any Minister who puts the interests of the taxpayer and the general public as the highest priority in dealing with disputes in the Civil Service?

Mr. Morris

I shall convey the hon. Gentleman's view to the right quarter, but I cannot anticipate the reaction.

Mr. Rhodes James

When the Minister is dealing with the dispersal of the Civil Service to Scotland and is negotiating with the Civil Service unions, will be emphasise that it is the Conservative Party which, over the last two years, has been pressing to restore the Pay Research Unit?

Mr. Morris

That is an interesting point, but I question whether a Conservative Administration would have given the concession given by the Labour Government in implementing the pay research-based increases.

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