§ 46. Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what benefits have accrued to Scotland arising from recent Civil Service dispersal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindSince 1979 some 2,000 civil service posts have been dispersed to Scotland, representing 35 per cent. of the total moved. Some 70 per cent. of these posts have been filled by local recruitment, providing many valuable employment opportunities, particularly for young people and school leavers. Local economies have also benefited from the creation of additional jobs in services. The momentum of dispersal is being maintained, and I particularly welcome the recent decision of the Department of Social Security to move 430 posts to Glasgow as part of its programme of relocating work out of London.