§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many jobs in the Civil Service have been transferred from London to the West Midlands in the past two years; and what plans he has for increasing this number in the future.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisNo Civil Service posts have been transferred from London to the West Midlands in the last two years. As announced by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 20th May— [Vol. 982, c.334–5]— a capital tax office is to be established in Solihull, comprising about 200 posts including some moved from London. In future plans for dispersal from London and the setting up of new offices priority will be given wherever possible to the assisted areas; however, the interests of areas other than assisted areas will also be taken into account before decisions are made.