§ Mr. Waltersasked the Secretary of State for Employment if the Manpower Services Commission has any plans to open a jobcentre at Westbury.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonNo. Detailed consideration was given to the feasibility of opening a small jobcentre at Westbury during the recent preparation of proposals for the development of the jobcentre network in the 53W Manpower Services Commission's south-west region but I understand this was found not to be a cost-effective proposition in the light of the services already available through other jobcentres in the area.
§ Mr. Waltersasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether any staff cutbacks are planned at the Warminster, Trowbridge and Melksham jobcentres.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe employment manager for the south-west region of the Manpower Services Commission has prepared revised proposals for the development of the jobcentre network in his region, following widespread consultation with interested parties. Copies of these proposals, including details of Warminster, Trowbridge and Melksham jobcentres were sent to my hon. Friend on 9 November. They provide for a small reduction in the overall number of staff employed in the three jobcentres over the next three years. No changes are proposed in the services provided at each of the three jobcentres, and the staff savings will result from the introduction of more effective methods of working including the introduction of a more efficient computerised system for handling employers' vacancies.
The Manpower Services Commission hopes to reach final decisions on these proposals shortly.