HC Deb 08 December 1975 vol 902 c31W
Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister for the Civil Service, in view of the fact that unemployment in the West Midlands has trebled during the last two years, if he will now re-examine the programme of devolution of Civil Service staff so as to include the West Midlands area in the programme.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

It is Government policy that priority should be given wherever possible to the assisted areas in the dispersal and the setting up of new work away from London. However, as already announced this year a capital tax office is to be established in Solihull, comprising about 200 posts. I do not think it would be appropriate to re-examine the major dispersal programme announced in July 1974.