HC Deb 12 February 1976 vol 905 c317W
Mr. Rose

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what steps he is taking to disperse Civil Service jobs to the North-West Region in view of the special unemployment problems.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

Between 1963 and October 1975, over 4,200 existing Civil Service posts were dispersed from London to the North-West Region, and 850 new posts were set up there. Current plans, including work to be dispersed under the major dispersal programme announced by the Government in July 1974, provide for approximately 4,500 further existing Civil Service posts to be dispersed to the North-West, and some 600 new posts are also to be set up in the region. In addition, the headquarters of the Equal Opportunities Commission has been established in Manchester, and will be employing some 400 staff by 1978.