§ 132. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Civil Service jobs have been moved from London to other areas in each of the past three years; what steps have been taken to ensure that these operations have given satisfactory results to the public; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderComprehensive data for the period in question is not held centrally. However, we can confirm that since April 1986 more than 4,000 Civil Service posts have been located or relocated away from London. The relocation guidelines (copy available in the Library of the House) require relocating departments to ensure that operational efficiency and overall cost effectiveness are taken into proper account in their decisions, which are announced by the relevant departmental Minister.