HC Deb 23 December 1981 vol 15 cc987-90
32. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether she will consider the redeployment of civil servants to cities of high unemployment, such as Leicester; and whether she will make a statement.

Mr. Hayhoe

There are at present no plans to extend the Government's dispersal programme beyond what was announced on 26 July 1979. The programme, to which the Government remain fully committed, was the result of a considered review.

Mr. Janner

Is the Minister aware that Leicester, which until recently was sometimes called the most prosperous city in Europe, is now suffering from hideous unemployment, which in part of my constituency has reached more than 50 per cent.? Does he not see that it is necessary to advance the Government's programme of dispersal to help such areas as Leicester, which are in desperate need because of the dreadful Government policies, which have done nothing to curb unemployment?

Mr. Hayhoe

Despite the costs of the dispersal programme the Government have continually reiterated their commitment to it, which was announced in July 1979. The major features of the programme are for Glasgow, East Kilbride, Sheffield, Bootle and Cardiff—all areas with higher unemployment than even Leicester.

Mr. Beaumont-Dark

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is not the redeployment of civil servants that is needed, but fewer civil servants so that there is more room for private enterprise to flourish? Will that not solve the country's problems more quickly than anything?

Mr. Hayhoe

The new jobs that will be needed to reduce unemployment will come from private enterprise. My hon. Friend knows that we are making good progress in reducing the size of the Civil Service and in increasing its efficiency.

Mr. Cryer

Will the Minister contrast the need for stockbrokers and estate agents with the need for civil servants to make payments to the increasing number of people in receipt of unemployment and supplementary benefit? Do not thousands of Civil Service jobs provide, as part of the Welfare State, an important service for those who do not have the money with which stockbrokers line their pockets?

Mr. Hayhoe

If the hon. Gentleman is inviting me to say that civil servants carry out essential functions, often determined by decisions of the House or the Government, of course I gladly acknowledge that that is so.

Mr. Greenway

Will my hon. Friend reconsider the whole policy of redeploying Civil Service jobs out of London, especially as my constituency has lost 1,100 manufacturing jobs at Hoover to Wales and Scotland in recent weeks? What about a little redeployment of Civil Service jobs to where they are needed in Perivale?

Mr. Hayhoe

As my hon. Friend knows, we reviewed the previous Government's plans on dispersal. The decisions reached in 1979 were right. I appreciate that some of those who are moving from London are critical of the decision, but I reiterate again from the Dispatch Box that the Government will abide by their dispersal programme.

Mr. Dobson

Does the Minister accept that the substantial number of civil servants employed in supplementary and unemployment benefit offices cannot be redeployed because they are necessary in all parts of the country? Will he give an estimate of the increase in turnover of work in supplementary and unemployment benefit offices this year compared with the previous year?

Mr. Hayhoe

The hon. Gentleman should address the second part of his question to Ministers at the Department of Health and Social Security. To my knowledge, no one has suggested redeploying staff in benefit offices.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

How will transferring civil servants from one city to another help such cities as Leicester where there are high levels of unemployment? Would it not be better if, as my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Beaumont-Dark) said, we ensured that those civil servants who are no longer required are directed and retrained so that they can go into manufacturing industry, which creates the wealth of the country?

Mr. Hayhoe

Having made a firm commitment to dispersal, it is right that the Government should stand by their commitment and carry through their word.

Mr. Janner

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. In view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.