§ 19. Mr. Gregor MacKenzieasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further discussion he has had with the trade unions representing staff employed at the National Savings Bank at Cowglen, Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LawsonI am well aware of the right hon. Member's interest in this matter, and indeed I wrote to him about it some weeks ago. The National Savings Bank, Glasgow, is a part of the Department for National Savings whose staff276W side my right hon. and learned Friend met on 22 October. He explained that no decisions had yet been reached about possible reductions of functions in the Department in connection with the Government's policy of reducing Civil Service staff costs.
§ 26. Mr. James Whiteasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an assurance that there will be no reduction in the number of staff employed at the National Savings Bank at Cowglen, Glasgow.
§ Mr. LawsonThe future level of staffing in the National Savings Bank will be related to the operational requirements in meeting the demands of its customers. Staff numbers have been falling over the past three years as a result of the mechanisation of the system and this trend is likely to continue for some time yet.
§ 35. Mr. Craigenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future of the National Savings Bank at Cowglen, Glasgow.
§ Mr. LawsonAll the services provided by the Department for National Savings have been under examination as part of the Government's comprehensive review of options for reducing Civil Service staff costs. No decisions have yet been taken.