§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement about his proposals for the regional organisation of his Department.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI announced my proposals on 8 May in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for New Forest (Mr. McNair-Wilson). I have received representations from the departmental staff side against the reorganisation generally and from members of the staff, interested organisations and a number of hon. Members about its local implications. I have also consulted my regional panel chairmen and the main organisations representing the farming community.
After considering carefully all the views expressed, I have concluded that the balance of advantage lies in proceeding with the proposals, subject to the modification that the whole of the Bury St.
419WEdmunds division will be merged with the Norwich division. I intend to make special arrangements to alleviate the effect of the proposals on local employment at Alnwick by locating additional work there and to ensure that existing specialist regional services remain available to farmers and growers in the Preston and Lincoln divisions.
I hope to complete the reorganisation by the end of 1981 with the least possible disturbance of staff and services. I am arranging for copies of a map showing the future regional structure to be placed in the Vote Office.