§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the reasons for the dispersal of Her Majesty's Stationery Office laboratory, Cornwall House, Stamford street, London S.E.1 to Norwich; what discussion has taken place with trade unions; and what loss of employment there will be in London.
§ Mr. HayhoeThis laboratory is being moved to Norwich to join the supply division of HMSO (of which it is now an integral part) in order to improve operational efficiency. This is part of a comprehensive and successful drive by HMSO to improve performance and cut costs. Full discussions have taken place with the trade union side and a joint consultative group has been formed to implement the move. Twenty-one London posts are expected to be transferred to Norwich out of the existing thirty-one. The remaining 10 will be given up in any event as a result of improved efficiency and rationalisation measures.