HC Deb 31 October 1995 vol 265 cc146-7W
Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the impact of the merger of the Education and Employment Departments on the employment of civil servants in Sheffield. [40033]

Mr. Robin Squire

The merger may offer some scope for the rationalisation of activities on the various sites occupied by the new Department for Education and Employment, but it is too early to be precise about details. However, the merger is unlikely to result in any significant loss of posts in Sheffield.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the relative costs of employing civil servants within her Department in(a) London and (b) Sheffield. [40034]

Mr. Squire

The average annual salary and accommodation costs for staff of the Department for Education and Employment in London and Sheffield are £37,100 and £24,800 respectively. Accommodation costs account for £9,600 of the difference.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make it her policy to relocate further civil servants from London, including those in the education part of her Department, to join those currently based in Sheffield. [40035]

Mr. Squire

There are no plans to change the current policy of the Department, which is that staff should be located wherever they are best able to support the efficient and effective conduct of the Department's activities. The merger may offer some scope for rationalisation of activities on the various sites occupied by the new Department for Education and Employment, but it is too soon to be precise about details.