§ 8. Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to use compulsory powers to transfer staff against their wishes from the Welsh Office agricultural department in Aberystwyth to Cardiff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsAs the House knows, all administrative and executive staff in the Civil Service may be required to move to other posts. I expect eight staff to be moved to Cardiff as a result of the transfer of work; three have volunteered and of the remaining five, two have objected on grounds of hardship. Cases of hardship will be considered by a committee on which the trade union side will be represented.
§ Mr. HowellsI am sure that the Secretary of State was surprised when he was told that the majority of his staff would not voluntarily move from Aberystwyth to Cardiff. We are all well aware that they have the right—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman is also arguing his case. I should be much obliged if he would ask a question.
§ Mr. HowellsI apologise, Mr. Speaker, but it happens to be one of those days. I am sure that the Secretary of State is aware that the staff have the right to appeal. If they fail to prove hardship, what is the alternative? Will they be made redundant, or what?
§ Mr. EdwardsClearly, the hon. Gentleman did not listen to my answer, because he spoke about a "majority." I said that two objections had been received on the ground of hardship. They will be considered by the appeal committee, on which the trade union side is represented. Generous financial help is given to officers who have to move to take up duties. As I said, administrative and executive staff in the Civil Service may be required to move to other posts if necessary.
§ Mr. BestIs my right hon. Friend aware that the farmers of Anglesey are pleased about his decision that Anglesey is to be included in the marginal land survey?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Perhaps the Secretary of State can tell me whether that has anything to do with the question. I think not.