§ Dr. David Owenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many professional and technical staff are currently employed in the Exeter office of the Property Services Agency; and if he will list Government premises in the West Country served by this office.
§ Mr. ChannonThe agency has three offices in Exeter employing 73 staff in the professional and technology category. They provide services to over 800 Government premises and establishments in the South West. If the hon. Member requires further details about any of these, I will write to him.
§ Dr. David Owenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will undertake not to move to Bristol the Property Services Agency, presently situated in Exeter, which serves Government Departments in the far South West;
(2) whether he has any plans under consideration for the removal of Government offices from any place in Devon or Cornwall and for concentrating their facilities in Bristol.
§ Mr. ChannonAs part of its continuing search for improved efficiency the agency is reviewing its organisation in the South West. The review is at an early stage, but if the Exeter area office was closed the depot would remain and there would almost certainly be an increased concentration of staff at the Plymouth area office rather than at Bristol. I am aware of no other plans which might involve moving Government office facilities in the South West to Bristol.