§ Mr. Brewisasked the Prime Minister how many Government posts have recently been dispersed from London; to which parts of the country; and what further moves are to be made.
§ The Prime MinisterBetween May, 1963, when the then Conservative Government began a major dispersal programme, and April, 1972, 22,160 Government posts were dispersed from London and a further 7,240 posts were established under the policy of locating new offices wherever possible away from London. The corresponding figures for the period April, 1970, to April, 1972, were 5,370 and 1,440 respectively. Current plans provide for the dispersal of a further 8,300 posts and the establishment of 103W 10,680 jobs in new offices away from London. These last figures are based on estimates and may be subject to change.
No. of jobs dispersed No. of jobs awaiting dispersal No. of jobs set up in new offices No. of jobs to be set up in new offices Assisted areas … … … … … 10,640 6,720 3,680 9,920 Other areas … … … … … 11,520 1,580 3,560 760 Totals … … … … 22,160 8,300 7,240 10,680 Past and currently planned dispersal has been mainly of self-contained executive work which it is comparatively easy to separate from its parent Department. The current location review, started by the present Government, covers the areas of policy work located in London, where separation involves greater complications. I expect to receiye recommendations later this year.