§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Employment if the Manpower Services Commission will provide a modern jobcentre in a main street position in Woolwich.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it plans to open a jobcentre in Woolwich and has been searching for suitable premises close to the central area for a number of years. The search has so far been unsuccessful, but efforts will continue.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the considerations which led him to conclude that the rents paid for premises occupied by jobcentres were, or could be, matters of commercial confidentiality.
§ Mr. Jim Lester[pursuant to his reply, 22 February 1980, c. 296]: I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission (MSC) that in matters of this kind it follows the practice of most large public landholding bodies—for example, the Property Services Agency and local authorities—and treats with discretion the terms of any transaction concluded with the lessor of a given property. The final figures agreed would not be disclosed in any circumstance without the agreement of the lessor, and even given his consent the MSC would have to consider very carefully whether disclosure of what has been paid for one property might not prejudice the public interest in negotiations which might be in progress for the acquisition of other properties, or rent reviews for properties already held.