HC Deb 04 February 1964 vol 688 cc128-9W
44. Mr. Lawson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the progress to date in implementing the report by Sir Gilbert Flemming on the dispersal of Government work from London.

45. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is still his policy to carry out the recommendations of the Flemming Report on the dispersal of Government Departments from London.

46. Mr. Millan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a further statement about the implementation of the Flemming Report on the dispersal of Government offices from London.

Mr. Green

We are getting ahead as fast as possible with the selection of dispersal locations for the programme of moves which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary outlined in his statement of 18th July. The Government are treating this as a matter of greatest importance, but time must be allowed for careful planning if the work is to be carried on efficiently and hardship to staff is to be avoided.

My right hon. Friend's earlier statement emphasised that this was necessarily a programme which would have to be spread over a number of years.