§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants, and in which Departments, he believes could be relocated to provincial centres as part of the policy of devolving and decentralising Government Departments.
§ Mr. DorrellThe Government's relocation policy is not centrally directed. Relocation decisions are a matter for individual departmental Ministers. Departments are continuing to review the location of their work in the light of their own particular circumstances and operational requirements in accordance with clear guidelines, a copy of which was placed in the House of Commons Library in December 1991.
§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government intends to continue its previous policy of devolving Government Departments to provincial centres.
§ Mr. DorrellYes. There are often substantial advantages to be gained from relocating offices away from London and the south-east. The Government's relocation policy is therefore to pursue the relocation of Government work where that provides best value for money.