§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make an announcement about the future of the Department of Transport and Department of the Environment offices in Newcastle; and how many jobs will be lost in Newcastle if the proposals contained in the Rayner proposals are implemented.
§ Mr. HeseltineMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement about the future of all our joint regional offices before the end of this year. The study officer's report recommends a reduction of some 26 jobs in Newcastle, mainly because of the transfer of work concerning Cumbria to the North-West regional office.