§ Mr. RiddickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to implement the joint Department of Health/Department of Social Security review of the potential for relocating headquarters' work away from London.
§ Mr. NewtonI have accepted the findings of the review that a substantial amount of my Department's work in London should be relocated. Having carefully considered the review team's report, a copy of which is being placed in the Library, I have concluded that 650 posts, mostly relating to the work of the new benefits agency, which is planned to come into existence in April 1991, should be located in Leeds. The office of the chief adjudication officer, with its 150 posts currently located in Southampton, will also move to Leeds. I expect these moves to take place from late 1991 into 1992.
I welcome the parallel announcement by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health that some 1,000 posts from his Department's headquarters will also be moving to Leeds.