§ Mr. GowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has now received the reports of the scrutiny body looking at the social security organisation and the study of the location of headquarters work.
§ Mr. MooreI have received both the report of the regional organisation scrutiny team and the report of a study team appointed to look at the possibilities of relocating work currently based at DHSS headquarters in London. Copies of both reports have today been placed in the Library.
Both reports express the views of the respective study teams and both raise important and wide-ranging issues which affect many aspects of the Department and the way it functions. I will wish to consider these carefully before making decisions. That consideration will proceed with all possible speed.
I accept in principle that some relocation of work from London will provide a better way for the Department to conduct its business. The aim is to improve the efficiency of our operations so as to deliver a better service to those who use them.