HC Deb 05 June 1984 vol 61 cc159-60W
30. Mr. Alexander

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if the Manpower Services Commission has now communicated to him any plans to reorganise the jobcentre network.

Mr. Peter Morrison

My right hon. Friend has now approved the broad strategy for the development of the employment service put to him by the commission after its April meeting. The commission is working out detailed plans for the implementation of this strategy.

54. Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement about proposals to reduce the number of jobcentres.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Now that the Manpower Services Commission has unanimously approved in principle a strategy for the future development of the employment service the aim is to have firm plans for each part of the country agreed before the end of the year. The proposals involve an increase in the number of jobcentre outlets but more variations between offices in the type of service provided.

59. Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received about the proposed closures of jobcentres.

Mr. Peter Morrison

This Department has received a number of letters from hon. Members and others about the Manpower Services Commission's proposals for the future development of the jobcentre network. These proposals envisage an increase in the number of jobcentre outlets overall, but with greater variation than at present between offices in the type of service provided.