§ Mr. Dellasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will expedite an announcement on the redeployment of the Civil Service, and in particular on redeployment to Merseyside, in view of the high and increasing level of unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the extent to which redeployment of 286W the Civil Service will take account of the differing levels of unemployment in the regions.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe Government are considering the Hardman proposals for the relocation of further Government work from London, including those for Merseyside, in the light of the many views put to them by hon. Members, local authorities, departmental management, staff associations and others. The most recent deputation from local authorities was received only last month. We shall announce decisions as soon as possible. They will take account of all the relevant factors, including unemployment, but unemployment levels do not by themselves provide an adequate basis for decision. Other factors which relate to both the need and the capacity of different locations for more office work are also important. These include the balance of employment opportunities between the manufacturing and service sectors, the female labour reserve, numbers of qualified school leavers and the distribution of the Civil Service, both now and as it will be affected by plans made before the Hardman Report.