§ 66 and 67. Mr. Bostonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will give an assurance that the possibility of moving Government Departments and offices out of London into other parts of the South-East is being considered in the review of the South-East Study; and whether he will make a statement about the specific moves that are under consideration;
(2) if he is aware of the scope and need for development on the Isle of Sheppey; and whether he will bear in mind the advantages of the island when planning to move out of London those Government Departments and offices which can remain in the South-East.
§ Mr. MacDermotOur dispersal policy is to move work right out of the South-East where practicable. Some units need to remain within close range of London, and a number of such moves in the South-East are now in progress. Plans for other moves will be announced when details 45W have been settled in consultation with the staff concerned. I can assure the hon. Member that the special position and problems of the Isle of Sheppey will be borne in mind.