§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the operation of jobcentres and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jim Lester[pursuant to his reply, 27 November 1980]: I am generally satisfied with the performance and operation of jobcentres. Jobcentres are more cost effective than the old employment offices; they are helping to place people in employment more quickly and the atmosphere they engender for job seekers has greatly improved. The Government support the plans of the Manpower Services Commission to complete the modernisation of the employment service, although I have asked the MSC to avoid extravagance particularly in relation to the siting of jobcentres.