HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc888-9W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what changes he has made in the responsibilities of his Department and the Manpower Services Commission in Scotland and Wales.

Mr. Booth

I have announced some changes in the responsibilities of the Department of Employment and the Manpower Services Commission in Scotland and Wales which took effect on 1st October 1977. The work done by my Department in Scotland and Wales on economic planning and research and oversight of the careers services has been assumed by the Scottish and Welsh Offices. In Scotland and Wales the Manpower Services Commission has appointed with my approval, given after consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales, Manpower Services Directors who will oversee the development and operation of the public manpower services of each country, and provide the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, and myself, with the information and advice on manpower matters which we need to discharge our various responsibilities. The posts of DE Director in Scotland and in Wales have been terminated.

The Department's offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff will however continue to be responsible for the administration in Scotland and Wales of the Temporary Employment Subsidy and the Small Firms Employment Subsidy; wages inspection and employment agency licensing; and unemployment benefit.

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